Join In launches ‘Run It’, a new campaign to get more volunteers involved in community sport and boost participation in running.
Running is the fastest-growing participation sport in the UK and volunteers are the backbone. From informal running groups, athletics teams and marathons; running depends on thousands of people helping out.
London 2012 legacy charity Join In already has over 4,000 volunteer opportunities at running clubs and events that need filling, and there are roles for everyone: run group leaders and club coaches through to event marshals and supporters at your local fun run. And they don’t just need help trackside, you can help with social media, paint the clubhouse or collect members’ subs – the options are endless.
Fronted by 10km European Champion Jo Pavey and former 5km world record holder, David Moorcroft, ‘Run It’ will celebrate the existing volunteers within running and inspire more people to help out at running groups and events across the country.
Seven out of 10 grassroots sports clubs still need more volunteers. As Join In’s research reveals, each volunteer creates the capacity for at least 8.5 more participants in sport. By connecting running clubs with volunteers, ‘Run It’ will increase the amount of people taking part in running across the UK with more people leading happier and healthier lives through sport.
European Champion Jo Pavey agrees, “I wouldn’t be a runner without volunteers. I’ll always be grateful to people like that. All athletes have stories to tell you about volunteers, particularly in their early careers. I am still in touch with my first coach, he made so much possible for me.
Join In is a London 2012 legacy charity that puts more volunteers into community sport. For further information visit joininuk.org/run-it
Sportsister
The Women’s Sports Magazine
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