Volunteer Story: "Parkrun is all inclusive in every way" - Chenin Madden

January 2025
Our parkrun journey began on Christmas day 2022. My husband had worked a late shift so our daughter and I thought we would try parkrun and let him sleep and open presents later. It was a hot day and we wore antlers and Christmas t-shirts. The atmosphere and the welcome is what kept us returning and we didn't think twice about volunteering for an activity that brought us so much joy and where it was run 100% by volunteers.

When you feel like you're a part of something and contributing to your community, you get as much as you give. You don't need to be physically active to volunteer. I managed to help out even when I had a torn calf muscle. In fact, they brought me a seat to sit on!

Parkrun is all inclusive in every way. There's always a smile to greet you and they welcome children to volunteer. It's become a family affair with our daughter reaching her 25 volunteer days recently and my husband 25 parkruns. I'm close to reaching my 50th volunteer day at Queenstown and aim to complete my 100th parkrun this year.

There's no monthly or yearly commitments or ongoing training. Just a willingness to turn up and help out when you can. You're not limited to Queenstown and can volunteer through Aotearoa or the world!

Volunteering at parkrun gets me out of bed on a Saturday morning. I love how I feel afterwards no matter what the weather. I'm inspired by the people who get out there and give it a go. Whether they walk, run or skip, they choose to be a part of something that keeps them physically active which is great for your mind, body and soul.

Written by Chenin Madden of parkrun Queenstown

Keen to get involved? Explore parkrun volunteer opportunities here.