Parkrun South Africa is encouraging community members to spend 67 minutes volunteering this Mandela Day by supporting their local parkrun event.

Ahead of Mandela Day, which is commemorated on July 18, the organisation has launched its ‘Put your hand up to volunteer’ campaign, urging people to make a meaningful contribution to their communities.

According to the campaign, there is “no better way to honour Mandela than by volunteering at parkrun”, where volunteers play a vital role in ensuring weekly events run smoothly and safely.

Parkrun is a free, weekly community event where people of all ages and fitness levels can walk, jog, run or volunteer in a welcoming environment.

Volunteers assist with a range of responsibilities, including marshalling the route, scanning barcodes, timing participants and helping with event setup and close-down.

Springs parkrun event director Marius Jonker has invited local residents to spend 67 minutes volunteering at the event, saying the community’s support is what keeps parkrun going year after year.

“People can use this opportunity as volunteers to know more about the parkrun and if they want to participate as runners or join us full-time as volunteers,” said Jonker.

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