Bryanston parkrun calls for more volunteers as hundreds hit the track
About 900 runners turned out for the Bryanston parkrun this morning, but organisers say the event’s success depends on the dedication of its volunteers, and more helping hands.
Nearly 900 participants laced up for their weekly 5km run, taking part in the Bryanston parkrun on November 8.
The event, held every Saturday at 08:00, is entirely free and entirely powered by volunteers.
Parkrun volunteer Avi Naidoo said the event depends on community support to continue. “The parkrun is only possible because of the volunteers.
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We have between 15 and 18 volunteers every week, but we see about 850 to 1 000 runners. Without volunteers, this parkrun would never happen, and we need more of them, especially over the December holidays.”
Each week, volunteers take on a variety of roles, from barcode scanning and timing to managing results and checking the course.
Naidoo added that some arrive as early as 06:00 to ensure the route is safe and clean before runners arrive.
“They walk the course, look for hazards, and collect bin bags full of litter. We also work closely with community member Gail Williams, who attends to the gardens in the park, purely out of goodwill. It’s really a team effort.”
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Fellow volunteer Alice Brown, who has been part of Bryanston parkrun since 2016, said the event embodies true community spirit. “I love parkrun, it brings together people from all walks of life.
I’ve done over 200 volunteer activities and more than 260 runs myself, even after a couple of knee operations.
It’s something that keeps me going and keeps me connected.”
The Bryanston parkrun is part of a global initiative that encourages fitness, friendship, and volunteerism.
While runners earn points for participation, volunteers give their time simply out of passion for their community.
With the December holidays approaching, the Bryanston team is appealing to residents to step forward and help sustain this much-loved event. “Volunteers are the lifeblood of parkrun,” Naidoo concluded.
“It’s a small way to give back, but it makes a massive difference.”
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