By Charlotte Rowley.
What do you get if you combine a lot of laughter, a sprinkle of encouragement and a frosting of lots and lots of pink? … The Potters Trotters Parkrun take-over of course! On Saturday 15th September a group of our lovely ladies met at Hanley Park to ensure that the morning was full of support and energy for the runners taking part. Several members of the Potters Trotters took their positions – whether it be marshalling, scanning barcodes at the finish, assisting in the café or simply just adding lots of cheers and whoopings of encouragement, our club members were raring to go! Their energy highlighted the special nature of Parkrun and exemplified how events like this are fuelled by volunteers. Giving up time at a weekend is invaluable and means such a lot to people running. Without the positivity, energy and the efforts of the volunteers at Parkrun it simply would not be able to go ahead. The best thing is that the volunteers are passionate about helping. Our Potters Trotters ladies had the following to say: Jen Henshall: I really enjoyed volunteering today. It’s the first time I’ve volunteered at a Parkrun and it felt amazing. Seeing people suddenly smile when they come across you because they were struggling and just needed a pick me up is something I can really relate to! My partner (and dog) completed their first park run today too so it was extra special! Linda Shefford: I would say that the main advantage of volunteering at Parkrun is that it allows us to see how everyone has to work hard, whether they complete the run in fifteen minutes or over an hour, it is still an achievement. Also, iIlove to see the children's little faces, some of them are fantastic. To add to that, it is a brilliant social event where everyone is welcome, all runners are grateful to volunteers and the post run cafe in the church is where we can meet people and chat (and of course eat cake!). Everyone should have the opportunity to volunteer at park run, we just love it. Laura Sea: I loved volunteering today and it was great to get to know members of the club and have a giggle! I really love our Potters Trotters group – I am so glad that me and my sister joined when we did and having the chance to volunteer is like I was giving something back to the group. I loved seeing people running – all different abilities, ages and styles of running and it gave some perspective that not everybody is a natural runner or finds it easy, but we all keep going doing our best which is definitely good enough. Melody Morris: I just love Parkrun – both running and volunteering because of all the amazing people that make it happen every week and the runners that turn up to be part of this great free community run every Saturday morning. Michelle Bourne: I love running at Hanley Parkrun because it’s tough and makes me feel like I’ve worked really hard and it gets those little endorphins going! I like to get involved with Potters Trotters take overs at Parkrun because it brings us all together as a group and I love the camaraderie. Also it makes you realise how many people get out of bed early on a Saturday morning. It’s so popular! Sue Rushton: I love volunteering at Parkrun (and it’s much easier than running it!). You're giving your time which is so important in this busy life that we all lead. I think the biggest thank you should go to Liz and her team who week after week deliver this great event. That is one big commitment and should be applauded. Another successful Parkrun and another successful take-over! The commitment and from the helpers is always massively appreciated. I am of course a little biased, but well done and thanks to our amazing Potters Trotters! |
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