Local parkrun invites community to get involved

THE founders of a local parkrun are appealing to residents to join the volunteer team that helps make the event possible each week. 

Dilton Marsh man Robin-Mark Schols is one of the founders of the Thoulstone parkrun. He teamed up with Steve Jeffries, from Warminster, to bring the free weekly 5km event to Thoulstone Park. 

Robin-Mark is well known locally for founding the Hilly Helmet Challenge – an annual fundraiser inspired by his own recovery from brain surgery. 

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, near Chapmanslade, 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, attracting 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 are appealing to the local community to see if more 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 will guide you through everything you need to do to help. 

“It’s not all standing on windy corners — we need timers, walkers, tail runners, and help setting up and packing 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 head into the on-site café for refreshments and chat about how the morning went.” 

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