Five ways volunteering for parkrun will improve your life

Being a parkrun volunteer means being a part of a team, as well as meeting and helping tens - maybe even hundreds - of people every week. As a volunteer, you become the lifeblood of the parkrun community, keeping everything (and everyone!) running smoothly.

You’ll see and get to know some of the same people each week, becoming a big part of their progress and story as they improve and feel better about themselves with every run. The familiar faces, the names you learn and the friendships you make knit together into a powerful social fabric that grows stronger with every parkrun.

Whether you’re welcoming newcomers or celebrating a seasoned runner’s new milestone, as a volunteer you will be connecting with all of the runners at every event, each smile, “thank you” and high-five you receive representing a glowing testament to the contribution you’ve made.

You might be taking a break or otherwise be unable to run - but whatever the reason, you can still benefit from the boost to your mental wellbeing that comes from being outside, accomplishing goals and interacting with people. 

There’s nothing quite like getting out into nature first thing in the morning to start your day off right, and this coupled with the satisfaction you get from helping to orchestrate a joyful event that benefits all parkrunners could provide an even greater boost to your mood than running alone.

In fact, studies have shown that those who volunteer at parkrun report an 86% improvement to their happiness, as opposed to the - still amazing! - 79% improvement reported by those who run and walk without volunteering.

When you’re running your 5k, you are likely to be concentrating on your pace, your breathing, or maybe even aiming to achieve a new personal best. Volunteering gives you a totally different perspective  - and it’s inspirational.

parkrun volunteers see everyone at their best in a huge variety of ways, bearing witness to countless heartwarming moments that take place every weekend. Parents giving warm words of encouragement to children who are trying their hardest; patients making big strides forward on the road to recovery; first-timers at a finish line they never believed they could reach. Every parkrun is a collection of life-affirming stories, just waiting to be discovered.

As a volunteer you not only see all this, but gain a privileged insight into the hard work and goodwill that goes on behind the scenes to make each parkrun possible - and being part of those efforts may even help you see yourself in a new light!

Hundreds of thousands of people take part in parkrun every week, and all of them recognise there is something special about these events and the community. You might even personally feel that parkrun has become an important part of your life and routine, helping you to feel better in your body and mind.

Feeling that way about parkrun - that it’s something special to you - makes you the perfect person to volunteer. You understand the importance of the tail walker providing encouragement. You know how it feels to see the smiling faces of marshalls at regular intervals throughout the track. You appreciate all the little things that make parkrun a community. 

Becoming a volunteer means deepening your connection with an event that has already been a force for good in your life, and enjoying the uniquely warm feeling that comes with being part of a team that brings health and happiness to so many.

Volunteers are what keep parkrun going. Every single event across the world could not happen without the help of invaluable volunteers - without the safety, inclusivity, encouragement and sheer logistical power they bring to each parkrun. 

If you have benefited from taking part in parkrun yourself, then volunteering can be a wonderful act of giving back to a community that has been meaningful to you. Even if you’re not a runner yourself, becoming a volunteer is a great way to enjoy the atmosphere and environment of a parkrun, while playing a vital role in perpetuating a movement that is of great importance to huge numbers of people.

You don’t need any special skills or experience; everything is explained on the day, and there will always be someone on hand to support you. Because that’s what parkrun is all about - providing the support people need to improve their lives, whether that be through running or through volunteering.