In the last month, we've had almost 100 people run at Walsall parkrun for the first time. I thought it might be an idea to put something together so everyone can enjoy their Saturday morning parkrun. Rather than re-invent the wheel I've *borrowed* the below from our friends at Oxford parkrun.
Happy running and see you down the Arbo on Saturday!
1. Remember your printed barcode
Without a printed barcode, we will not be able to give you a time, no exceptions. We recommend the official parkrun barcode solutions. Unfortunately, we are unable to accept any barcodes on any mobile or other digital devices - Tom explains the reason why in a recent newsletter here: http://www.parkrun.org.uk/news/2016/01/21/weekly-newsletter-21st-january-2016/
2. It's a run, not a race
parkrun is open to everyone, no matter how fast you are. All runners are expected to be courteous to one another.
If you are a quick runner looking to pass, please ensure you do so safely and politely. By the same token, if you are a slower runner, or if you wish to run in a group, please keep to the left to allow space for faster runners to pass.
Whilst we have no problem with runners wearing headphones, please can you try and keep your music down to a level where you'll be able to hear both any warnings from the marshalls or any faster runners approaching.
3. Only cross the finish line once
When you cross the finish line, your time is captured by our volunteer timekeepers. Should you cross the line again (running in with a slower runner perhaps) this will upset the results.
4. Always take a finish token
When you've crossed the finish line, you must take a finish token. If you do not take a token, all runners after you will receive an inaccurate time for their run.
Once you have your finish token, take both it and your printed barcode to one of our volunteer barcode scanners.
5. Always give your finish token back
Even if you've forgotten your printer barcode, please return our finish token. They are waterproof, reliably scannable and guaranteed for five years.
When we lose one we have to replace it with a blank token and sticker which inevitably don't scan as well and wear out due to weather. Replacement original tokens cost 70p each.
6. Volunteer
parkrun is volunteer led. Without volunteers there is no parkrun. Please thank the marshalls on your way round.
Volunteering is extremely rewarding and very easy, full training is given for all roles and there are even roles you can complete and still run. You don't need to be scared of making a mistake as for all crucial roles we have two volunteers doing the same thing.
Finally, it's a great way of getting to know fellow parkrunners. You can check out our current volunteer rota here: http://www.parkrun.org.uk/walsall/futureroster/
7. Respect other park users
We do not have exclusive use of the park or it's paths. Please be polite to other park users.
8. Stay within arms reach of under 11s
Children under 11 must be within arms reach of a parent/guardian/designated adult at all times. This is a requirement of our insurance policy and is non-negotiable. We may remove the results of under 11s we find running without an adult.
If your under 11 wants to run by themselves, please check out junior parkrun.
9. Keep your dog on a short lead
You are welcome to run parkrun with a single dog. We ask that they are under firm control and on a short lead at all times. Please take extra care to avoid tripping other runners.
10. Smile!
Ron Reynolds is often on hand taking photos of your run. If you would prefer not to have your photo taken, please speak to the Run Director before the run.
11. Go to the cafe afterwards
The café in the visitor centre is within a few hundred meters of the start/finish line. We'd love to see you there and recommend the bacon sandwiches!
12. Check the results, find us on Facebook & Twitter
We aim to get your result to you on Saturday morning by email (and SMS if you set it up). Occasionally circumstances may mean they come out later. We are on Facebook as Walsall Arboretum parkrun and Twitter as @Walsallparkrun.
13. Milestones and more
parkrun and Tribesports provide free milestone t-shirts to parkrun in recognition of their achievements. As a junior, you can claim a t-shirt after 10 runs. Everyone can claim a t-shirt for reaching 50, 100, 250 and 500 runs. There is also a t-shirt available when you have volunteered 25 times.
parkrunners can also purchase a discounted FitBit device.
14. Donations
If you love parkrun, you can donate to us to help us cover the costs of keeping the event running smoothly. 85% of your donation will come directly to Walsall, with 15% going to the new event fund.