This is Andrew (can be found once a year in a red hat, white beard and sleigh at the first steps)
When and why did you first choose to volunteer with parkrun?
I first volunteered because I wanted to give something back to the parkrun community and it was in 2017.
I was on finish tokens and enjoyed the camaraderie we all shared as well as making new friends in the community.
It was especially helpful to me when I had to have a new replacement hip and I couldn’t run for 6 months, that was cruel for me but as soon as was able to cast off my crutches, i was back on Saturday mornings volunteering and meeting all my park run friends.
This gave me something to look forward to and keep my interest and sanity in check. In fact i don’t know what else I’d do as I love the outdoors but any longer than an hour and I was suffering with post op. hip pain.
For my 25th volunteering milestone, I was still recuperating and I had 49 runs logged too, this gave me the opportunity to tail walk and gain 2 milestone Teeshirts at the same time. It was a great day for me and something I will not forget.
What is your favourite volunteer role at parkrun?
I do enjoy 1st timer briefing, I have done it 12 times now and like the interaction with the 1st timers, I enjoy making them welcome and try to describe the course in a way that is entertaining as well as getting the safety message across. Just watch out for the crocodiles at Crocodile chase (strava segment)
Something that’s not advertised much is the fact I also enjoy pacing on the parkrun, its not easy, but I love it when other participants get their PB and its because I helped them
I also enjoy 1st steps on Christmas day, bringing a bit of festive spirit to a wonderful day (yes I still get excited)
What would you say to someone who is unsure volunteering is for them?
If you are thinking about volunteering, then you have already made the first step. Come and chat to the volunteers there and you will soon feel at home and part of the parkrun family.
It is very rewarding and how else can you spend an hour Saturday morning in beautiful surroundings? Roles are really easy and you are there to help ensure a safe event, but at the same time you meet 400 people in that hour, you will get to know the regulars and help and encourage new starters around the course.
What are you doing when you're not at parkrun?
I am scout leader for 3rd/1st Eccles scouts and also part of a small team running Great Run Local every Thursday evening.
I belong to Swinton running club and social run with GMCR. I am also a member of Salford Cycling Club and go out most Sunday Mornings and I also enjoy swimming. As you can tell this lockdown is the opposite of what I do.
What song would be your parkrun anthem (either volunteering or walk/jog/running)?
Keep on Running- Spencer Davis Group
If you've volunteered with us before and would like to be involved in a future "meet the volunteers", please contact us at worsleywoods@parkrun.com .
