Battersea parkrun is a weekly, free 5km event held in Battersea Park on Saturdays at 9am, attracting over 13,000 people since Wandsworth Council launched parkrun in October 2024. As with all the parkrun events held around the globe every week, it wouldn’t be possible without the help of volunteers.
Every Saturday, around 50 volunteers are needed to ensure everything runs smoothly. From cheering on participants to scanning barcodes and finish tokens, each role plays a crucial part in the success of parkrun and enjoyment of the participants.
With a variety of roles available, including some where you can still take part in the parkrun, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re an avid runner, love chatting with new people or are just looking for a new way to spend your Saturday morning outside, volunteering at Battersea parkrun is an excellent and rewarding opportunity.
Sign up to volunteer at Battersea parkrun
Since launching in October, the event has quickly become one of the most popular parkruns in the world. In just a few months, over 13,000 people have participated by running, jogging, or walking the course, including over 1,500 people completing their first-ever parkrun.
Judi Gasser, Cabinet Member for Environment, said: “Volunteers are the heart of Battersea parkrun, making this fantastic event every Saturday morning.
“Through Wandsworth Moves Together, we are committed to helping residents stay active, and volunteering offers a brilliant way to be part of a supportive and welcoming community.
“Whether you run, walk, or simply want to lend a hand, we encourage everyone to get involved and experience the many benefits of parkrun.”
Volunteer roles
Most volunteer roles only require a commitment of 1 to 1.5 hours – typically from 8.30am to 10am.
Marshals – Encourage, keep participants safe and cheer on participants around the course.
Timekeepers – Record participants’ finishing times.
Finish Token Handlers – Distribute tokens to finishers.
Barcode Scanners – Help record participants’ results.
Tail Walkers – Ensure everyone finishes safely while providing encouragement and walking 5km.
There are no age limits for volunteering, making it a fantastic opportunity for families, students (including Duke of Edinburgh participants), and retirees alike. Battersea parkrun has even welcomed visually impaired runners and wheelchair participants, making it an inclusive and accessible event for all.
Beyond supporting the event, volunteering is a great way to make friends and be part of a welcoming community.
The benefits of Battersea parkrun extend beyond fitness. Local cafés have noticed a significant increase in customers on Saturday mornings, with many parkrunners and volunteers gathering for post-run coffee and breakfast. The impact of parkrun has been felt not just by the runners and volunteers, but by the wider local economy as well.
Ready to get involved?
Volunteering at Battersea parkrun is a fun, rewarding, and easy way to make a difference. Whether you can help out once a month or every week, every contribution counts.
Sign up to volunteer by visiting the Battersea Park parkrun volunteering webpage.
Live nearer Tooting Common? Volunteer for Tooting Common parkrun instead.
