At parkrun, our volunteers are more than helpers in hi-vis – they’re the heartbeat of everything we do. From ensuring events run safely to helping new ones launch, they create inclusive, welcoming spaces that bring people together every weekend. Volunteering enables parkrun to thrive – but it also transforms the lives of those who give their time. What gives me optimism for the future of volunteering? It’s the stories we hear every week. Like Linda, who began volunteering after her husband died and found a new community that filled those “potentially empty hours.” Or Ellie, a young autistic volunteer working through her Duke of Edinburgh Award who’s found confidence, purpose and joy in junior parkrun roles. Or Rory, one of a handful of people to reach 1,000 volunteer occasions, and the driving force behind junior parkrun in Ipswich.
Run direction
At parkrun, we’ve welcomed nearly one million volunteers globally. Some volunteer once in a while. Others, like our run directors or ambassadors, commit regularly and take on leadership. But what unites them is impact – not just on events, but on themselves. Our own parkrun health and wellbeing survey found that 86% of volunteers said it boosted their happiness, even more than those who run or walk. The future of volunteering will be shaped by accessibility, flexibility, and how well we champion its value. As I found during my time with the VSO, it’s the reason why those organisations who’ve made it easy to get involved – no experience or long-term commitment required – manage to survive and thrive. That’s also why we celebrate milestones, share stories, and promote event and regional ambassadors.
We’re also focusing on inclusivity. In the past year, volunteer occasions have been split almost equally between men and women. We’re expanding junior parkrun into under-represented communities, promoting walking, and engaging with more diverse groups through targeted outreach. Volunteering isn’t going away thankfully – but how we support and value it must keep evolving. We need to continue making it simple, sociable, and visible. Because when someone volunteers at parkrun, they’re not just helping others – they’re building something meaningful for themselves too. As one volunteer put it: “When 200 people say ‘thank you’ to you within an hour, it’s hard not to feel pretty chuffed.” That’s the future I believe in.
Dan McVeigh is the Volunteer Impact and Engagement Manager at parkrun and has 20 years’ experience supporting volunteering, including roles at Voluntary Services Overseas (VSO) and Raleigh International in youth programmes and training.
