Thoulstone parkrun invites community to get involved

The founders of the Thoulstone parkrun have made an appeal for new volunteers to join them. 

Steve Jeffries, from Warminster, and Robin-Mark Schols, from Dilton Marsh, joined forces last spring to bring the 5km event to local residents. 

Steve and Robin said, “With many towns across the UK now having their own parkruns, it became clear over the last few years that there was a growing appetite for one local to our community too. Whilst there are already some parkruns fairly nearby, the desire was for one closer so our local community could take part more easily with less travel.” 

Thoulstone Park was a perfect location for the weekly parkrun, the pair added, due to its large car park and café for post-activity refreshments. 

Since launching in February, the event has gone from strength to strength, with around 150 participants each week. 

To cope with demand, around 20–25 volunteers are needed at each parkrun to ensure participants’ safety. 

With this in mind, event directors Robin and Steve have made an appeal to the local community to see if people would like to get involved. 

The pair said, “Volunteering is easy, rewarding and a great way to meet new people, gain confidence and learn new skills. At Thoulstone parkrun, we’re friendly and would guide you through what you’d need to do to help. 

“It’s not all standing on windy corners — we need timers, walkers, tail runners and help setting up and putting away after each event too, with a number of these roles also enabling you to run as well as help. 

“Once we’re done, we go into the on-site café for refreshments and discuss how our morning went.” 

If you think you may be interested, please do get in touch either by visiting Thoulstone Park for parkrun on a Saturday morning between 9am and 10am, or email thoulstone@parkrun.com