parkrun thread

12 lurkers | 506 watchers
Nov 2019
5:19pm, 18 Nov 2019
969 posts
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Nessie
Our course setter-upper is out at 5am doing the course, then nips home for breakfast before coming back to run (often having done the first timers and/or main briefing). He's on his own with that one!
Nov 2019
5:33pm, 18 Nov 2019
26,010 posts
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HellsBells
*pops head into thread*
Oh, we're running round this loop again are we?
*pops out again*
Nov 2019
7:00pm, 18 Nov 2019
29,171 posts
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Mrs Jigs (Luverlylegs)
Dee Gee, I can confirm that Highbury fields is 5 laps on tarmac with a finish on grass, can’t tell you about getting there from Islington though.
Nov 2019
9:23pm, 18 Nov 2019
765 posts
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Roberto
Sorry linds, I didnt mean it to come across quite that bluntly. I always say thank you to every Marshall on the course and when I leave after finishing will make sure I've thanks all the team around the finish area.

My thinking is that the stance taken by parkrun not to enforce it is correct, because there is a core team who made the decision and have chosen to set up and run a parkrun. To then force others to volunteer when prior to that parkrun starting, they hadnt shown the interest in setting one up or volunteering would be wrong. And while it is unfair to expect a core team to do every role every weekend, there is always the risk that noone else will volunteer. Personally I am very thankful to all who volunteer and believe that parkrun is incredibly positive for communities, but if I was forced to volunteer then I wouldnt take part and think plenty of others wouldnt either (no basis other than the comments high up around the numbers of people who dont volunteer as it is). But that's because I know what I do day in day out and enjoy parkrun because there are no expectations on me and I can relax, which is something I cant do through the week.
Nov 2019
9:47pm, 18 Nov 2019
31,011 posts
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LindsD
Thank you for your response. That really helps. And makes sense. And I *was* grumpy.
Nov 2019
10:31pm, 18 Nov 2019
30,930 posts
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DocMoye
Well put Roberto
Nov 2019
7:44am, 19 Nov 2019
442 posts
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BexleyKev
With Gobi on the way things were done pre 2010. We even gave the timer to the fastest looking person to run with on a few occasions. Not too bothered by those who don't volunteer, after all, it is a matter of personal choice. Numbers at our 'home' event are heavily weighted towards visitors seeking an alphabet letter and there are probably only 20 / 30 locals each week. The core team is quite tightly knit and supportive, some rarely run, they go to enable others to run and for the social aspect. If there are gaps in the roster someone soon steps in to help, having a small number of 'visible' regulars may be a contributing factor in that as it is not so easy to hide. The event is run with a minimal number of volunteer roles and fuss which is quite surprising considering the number of 'incidents' they have to deal with due to other events or building work taking place. I think we adopt a DeeGee/Gobi approach, throw a well honed stick at the problem and if it works great if not, there is always next week but, at least we all had a run. One thing that is starting to irritate me personally though are the increasing number of 'voluntourists' who perceive that they are helping an event to take place or for the badge by sorting tokens, writing run reports or (to an extent ) tail walking.
Nov 2019
8:41am, 19 Nov 2019
9,507 posts
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larkim
The voluntourism thing does seem odd. Completely different of course if they say "my husband and I are touristing this weekend and it's his turn to run so are there any volunteer jobs I can sign up for" Vs "I'm touristing this week so I'll be running but can I write a pointless run report so I can get a volunteer credit and then pat myself on the back for giving so much back to parkrun" :-)
Nov 2019
9:11am, 19 Nov 2019
33,276 posts
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HappyG(rrr)
I like tourists' run reports larks! :-P But I see what you mean.

I think you're all very generous about folk who do 100 free runs, post them on instamoan and facebook, and never think to volunteer to do a stint and help out. I'm less gracious than you! :-) G
Nov 2019
9:16am, 19 Nov 2019
43,961 posts
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Velociraptor
:) G! You surely cannot be having a pop at inspirational individuals who post a parkrun tourism selfie on social media every week but never seem to be wearing a hi viz vest :-O You bad, bad man!

About This Thread

Maintained by Hendo
A discussion of all things parkrun.

Here's a wiki giving brief reviews of parkruns up and down the land:

fetcheveryone.com/article-view.php?id=545

parkruns with restart permission: google.com

Note: Hendo is a boy.

Related Threads

  • 5k
  • parkrun








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