FAQ

Where do you need help?

Probably everywhere!! requests for volunteers are made in our volunteer Facebook group - here. If you aren’t on Facebook though or you have a specific event you’d like to help at just send us an email. I’ll get back to you as quickly as possible - help is always hugely appreciated!

Do I have to be an expert/ experienced runner?

Not at all! you haven’t got to lead the runners out. To be honest if you have to run during the day something has probably gone very wrong!! We are looking for people who can be friendly supportive and smiley all day - whatever the weather! We have had some shocking weather in the past and the smiley volunteers actually lead to that event being voted the best running event of 2019 on Racecheck! The smiles and encouragement are the important part!

What times do I need to be there for?

You can read our “day in the life” accounts about a typical day here. There may also be some variations but typically for our midweek 6 hour events we ask all volunteers to be with us from 07:30 - 16:00 (this is roughly when we’ve packed everything up!) for the evening 10K events volunteers are asked to be with us at 17:45 - 21:00. See the next question if you need to start or leave at different times…

I need to pick up/drop off my children or can only make part of the day. Can I arrive later/ leave early?

Probably. If you could email and explain what you’d like to do that would be great. Generally the busiest time is registration (in non-covid times) and so if you turn up at 11am we might not really make the best use of your time. Also we can’t have an event day where multiple people do a shorter shift - otherwise we’ll be really short at times and have too many people at others! We can be flexible though so please do email to see if it will work at the event you’re hoping to help at. We fully appreciate the difficulties of organising life - be it around children, work, caring or just getting through the day! so if it doesn’t work for the event you’re offering your help at then please don’t think the offer isn’t appreciated!

Can I just help at registration and run in the event?

Potentially. Email us to see if that will work at the event you’ve picked out. Registration and packing down is where we need more “hands on deck” and so if you’re looking at running for about 2 hours but can help at the start and end of the day then we may be able to come to an arrangement. If you’re looking to run for 4+ hours though it might be a sufficient amount of time helping out. Of course if you’re there and can help move some boxes or put up flags we’ll rarely say no!!!

Can I bring my dog?

Not really, no. As much as the day is very likely to be lots of leisurely strolls through the forest cheering runners on as they go past, it might not be. If a runner has a medical emergency on the course we need your focus to be on the runner, not a dog. We fully appreciate this might mean some people can’t volunteer and that is unfortunate. Runner safety is always number 1 on the priority list and adding an extra complication isn’t something we want to do.

I’m freelance/contractor etc and might need to take some calls during the day, is that ok?

Pretty much! There will be quite a few times where you’re out on the route or able to take a little break if the aid station is quiet for example when you can take a phone call. All we ask is that if needed you are available immediately. It’s probably not best to schedule a call to discuss a multi-million pound merger but we’re not confiscating phones at the start of the day either! The important thing is that runner safety and experience isn’t effected.

Do I need to have first aid training?

No. If you do, excellent but our medical provision assumes none of the volunteers have first aid training. All volunteers will have he RD’s phone number for when they are on the course and we have a few radios too that we can use to contact each other to get medical help to you should a runner need it.

That’s all lovely… what’s in it for me!?

The biggest amount of running karma you’ll ever get! for a bit more detail on all the benefits and treats we’ll give you go here. It is lovely being a volunteer though, people genuinely appreciate it as they know they wouldn’t be out there running without you being there. As many people are running longer, and as such slower, they’re more likely to actually say than you as well. It’s not like being at parkrun where runners can barely breathe let alone get a thank you out!

I had a question that you’ve not answered…

Send me an email, I’ll answer the question then add a version of it here for the next person!!