Park Run Volunteer

Volunteer Now has partnered with Be Collective to bring a dedicated online platform for volunteering to Northern Ireland. The platform supports volunteers through the volunteering process and helps connect more people with a wider range of opportunities. There’s lots of great features on Be Collective such as messaging, creating a profile, and being able to compile all your experiences, training and roles as well as the skills gained within a social CV.

You can search and apply for volunteer roles below. If you can’t find anything you like at the moment – register now, then check back soon – new opportunities are added all the time!

Dunleath Playing Fields parkrun Downpatrick

What is Dunleath Playing Fields Parkrun? A free, fun, ad‑friendly weekly 5k community event.

When is it? Every Saturday at 9:30am.

Where is it? The event takes place at Dunleath Playing Fields, Market Street, Downpatrick, BT30 6LZ
.

It is entirely organised by volunteers.

What will volunteers do?

There are plenty of opportunities to try new roles, apply your skills or learn new ones, be with friends and family, meet people and be a part of the parkrun community. You don’t need any experience of parkrun or of volunteering. There are a range of roles to choose from, and many of them can be combined with walking or running too.

There are always people on hand if you have any questions.

There are a variety of ways to help Dunleath Park Run go smoothly.

Tail Walker(s)
The Tail Walker role is a friendly face or faces who stay right at the back of the field and should be the last to go through the finish funnel, ensuring that everyone is accounted for.

Timekeeper(s)
The Timekeeper is responsible for recording the finish times of all participants at the event (using the Virtual Volunteer app). Ideally, events should use two timing devices to protect against losing one set of times.

Finish Tokens
The Finish Token volunteer is responsible for handing out position tokens to all participants working in a team with the timekeeper. They may be assisted by a Finish Tokens Support volunteer.

Barcode Scanner(s)
This volunteer scans the personal barcode (using the Virtual Volunteer app), followed by the barcode on the finish position token, to ensure every participant who completes the course receives a result.

FAQ

Do I need to have been to parkrun before I volunteer?
No, you do not need to have been to a parkrun or junior parkrun event before, we always welcome new people!

How old do I need to be to volunteer?
You can be any age to volunteer, anyone under the age of 18 must be within close proximity to an adult.

Can I bring my children to volunteer?
Yes, families are welcome to volunteer at parkrun and junior parkrun. The roles are designed to be simple, and the tasks are suitable for children. You can even volunteer together as a family.

Can I bring my dog to volunteer?
Yes, you can do many roles with a dog, as long as you follow the dog’s policy (short, handheld, non‑extendable lead). Not all parkrun locations allow dogs at the event, so please check when you email.

How long does volunteering take?
There are no cut‑off times at parkrun, so the duration of volunteering can vary from week to week depending on the runners/walkers taking part. The length of time also depends on the role you are doing – some only take a few minutes, others can take longer. Some roles can also be done whilst walking or running the course. You can stay as long as you like, including joining others for a drink at the cafe after!

Do we have to commit to a certain number of volunteering days?
No, you can volunteer as often or as little as you like! Just drop us an email when you’d like to volunteer, or just turn up on the day.

Do I have to do the same role each week?
Definitely not! We love for people to volunteer in different roles. If you have a preference for what role you’d like to do, please let us know.

Do I need to be a runner or have a particular level of fitness to volunteer?
No, everyone is welcome. No experience, skills or knowledge are required. We will help find a role that is right for you.

Do I need to bring/wear anything specific?
No, please wear anything that you feel…