We’re always on the lookout for volunteers, particularly over the summer – so here's ten reasons why you should sign up to help:
- It’s group therapy - You're a runner so you know the hardest thing about running is shutting up about running. Give your non-running friends a break and get at least an hour of chatting with people who also get excited about medals, technical t-shirts, injuries, running gear, races, chaffing, heart rate monitors, Strava...
Convinced? Then see what roles are available here: www.parkrun.org.uk/walthamstow/futureroster/ and let us know when you’re available via: walthamstowhelpers@parkrun.com
If not, read on…
- It makes you a better runner – If you’re a steadier runner it’s easy to think the super fast runners glide effortlessly round the course. They don’t. As a volunteer you get to see people of all abilities run and there’s always someone you can learn something from or be inspired by. It also helps you gauge your own abilities. When I volunteer I see the parkrunners I usually run with and they look like proper runners therefore I must be a proper runner too.
Convinced? Then see what roles are available here: www.parkrun.org.uk/walthamstow/futureroster/ and let us know when you’re available via: walthamstowhelpers@parkrun.com
If not, read on…
- You can get a free t-shirt - Admit it, as a runner you will do anything for a 'free' t-shirt. Volunteer 25 times and you get a lovely purple, technical t-shirt. And while you're ordering it from Wiggle you might just get those shorts you were chatting about while volunteering at parkrun (see ‘group therapy’).
Convinced? Then see what roles are available here: www.parkrun.org.uk/walthamstow/futureroster/ and let us know when you’re available via: walthamstowhelpers@parkrun.com
If not, read on…
- You get to witness the magic of parkrun - Forget Britain's Got Talent, I've seen loads of personal journeys at parkrun. When you're not running you see everyone sweeping off from the start line, hurtling across the finish line and all grins and grimaces along the way. I challenge anyone not to have an 'it's just something in my eye' moment when you see someone realise they've nailed an amazing PB; then three generations of the same family cross the line; and someone who can't stop saying how proud they are of themselves for just finishing the course (aka a normal week at parkrun).
Convinced? Then see what roles are available here: www.parkrun.org.uk/walthamstow/futureroster/ and let us know when you’re available via: walthamstowhelpers@parkrun.com
If not, read on…
- An opportunity to gain work experience - Need a DofE volunteering opportunity? Looking for experience to pad out your CV or university application? As a regular volunteer you have the opportunity to take on regular responsibility, manage a team of volunteers, communicate with a varied audience, try public speaking, coach runners, demonstrate problem solving, flexible thinking and many more CV-worthy activities. Plus, you can do some of the roles – like volunteer coordinator, tail runner or pre-event set up - and run. Win win.
Convinced? Then see what roles are available here: www.parkrun.org.uk/walthamstow/futureroster/ and let us know when you’re available via: walthamstowhelpers@parkrun.com
If not, read on…
- Try real life social networking – Looking for restaurant recommendations in Gothenburg? Or accommodation advice in Toronto? How about coaching for GCSE Spanish? Travelling tips in Japan? The best walks in the Lake District? Where to find the best pub chips in Walthamstow? Your fellow parkrunners can help with all of these and more. Who knows where a chat with a fellow volunteer may take you.
Convinced? Then see what roles are available here: www.parkrun.org.uk/walthamstow/futureroster/ and let us know when you’re available via: walthamstowhelpers@parkrun.com
If not, read on…
- You can ‘pay it back’ – Some call it karma for others it’s a way of showing your appreciation. Whether you do it to get a timed 5K, to push your running ability further or to run in a welcoming environment, it’s the volunteers that make parkrun happen. I’m sure you’ll remember at least one example of when well-timed encouragement has spurred you on the way to a PB or just getting round 5K when you’re feeling rubbish. Why not cheer people on as a marshal? If you push that bit harder every time the timekeepers shout out your time, why not sign up to work a stopwatch one week? If you smile when that email arrives with your result, why not try barcode scanning?
Convinced? Then see what roles are available here: www.parkrun.org.uk/walthamstow/futureroster/ and let us know when you’re available via: walthamstowhelpers@parkrun.com
If not, read on…
- You’re awake anyway – If you’re a regular parkrunner you’ll be wide awake on a Saturday morning so it’s not like you’ll miss a lie in. If you’re not planning to run because you’re resting up for a race or injured or looking after the kids then it beats Saturday morning telly.
Convinced? Then see what roles are available here: www.parkrun.org.uk/walthamstow/futureroster/ and let us know when you’re available via: walthamstowhelpers@parkrun.com
If not, read on…
- Volunteering is good for your health – A brief Google search yields countless links to research showing improvements in blood pressure, anxiety levels and a host of other benefits from being a volunteer. Ask anyone who’s volunteered at parkrun and they’ll tell you that it makes them feel good. So, if you want to get that 'glow' without expensive super food supplements, you know what to do.
Convinced? Then see what roles are available here: www.parkrun.org.uk/walthamstow/futureroster/ and let us know when you’re available via: walthamstowhelpers@parkrun.com
If not, read on…
10. Get to know your fellow parkrunners better – It’s much easier to talk to people when you’re not fiddling with your watch, hurtling round the sports field or laid out, gasping for breath at the end. Find out people’s names, what they do, where they run, why they run and maybe a bit of local gossip. It’s a pleasant way to spend a Saturday morning.
Convinced? Then see what roles are available here: www.parkrun.org.uk/walthamstow/futureroster/ and let us know when you’re available via: walthamstowhelpers@parkrun.com
If not, talk to Sharron – she can convince anyone to sign up!
Gillx
