Running offers a wonderful opportunity to give back to the community by volunteering at various running events, from local run clubs to parkrun and organised races. Volunteering not only allows you to stay engaged with the sport you love, but it also provides a chance to experience the excitement of race day—even if you’re sidelined due to injury.
Now more than ever, events are in desperate need of enthusiastic volunteers. No special skills are required—just a smile and a positive attitude! Stepping back to cheer others on and participating in the behind-the-scenes activities gives you a greater appreciation for the effort that goes into organizing these events.
Here are some fantastic ways you can get involved:
Be a High-Vis Hero at parkrun
Every Saturday morning, thousands of runners lace up their shoes and head to their local parkrun. Due to its immense popularity, volunteers are essential; without them, these weekly events simply wouldn’t happen. As a volunteer, you can assist with everything from setting up the course to providing the pre-run briefing, guiding participants, and, most importantly, recording finish times.
You can take on various roles, including marshalling, tail walking, collecting finishing tokens, and, my personal favorite, barcode scanning!
For more information on how to volunteer at your local parkrun, click here.
Once you’ve signed up, you’ll be able to see what volunteer opportunities are available in the upcoming weeks and decide which ones tickle your fancy.
Pacing: Helping Runners Achieve Their Goals
Pacers are crucial at races, as many participants seek to improve their times or are first-timers needing support to cross the finish line. By volunteering as a pacer, you commit to running the course at a specific pace, helping others achieve their personal bests (PBs). Familiarize yourself with the course ahead of time to ensure a smooth experience.
Keep in mind you’ll need to run with a pacing flag, so watch out for low-hanging branches! Check race websites or follow their social media channels for upcoming pacing opportunities.
Event Volunteering: Experience Race Day from a New Perspective
Volunteering at events allows you to soak in the race day atmosphere without running!
If you’re cheering on a friend or loved one, why not lend a hand? There are various roles available before and during the race. You can help by stuffing goody bags, setting up signage, and marshalling. Other tasks include assisting at drink stations, picking up water bottles, and handing out medals.
Runners truly appreciate the support of volunteers, and it’s a fantastic chance to connect with fellow spectators. Just be ready to address any comments from those who might be caught off guard by road closures.
If you’re eager to volunteer, check out the dedicated volunteer page on most event websites. Reach out—they’d love to hear from you!
