Kubilay and I were on a mission: to save Parkrun from the dreaded fate of cancellation due to a lack of volunteers. Armed with our enthusiasm and matching GoodGym shirts, we braved the initially rainy Hampstead Heath, determined to make a difference. As we arrived, the beauty of the ancient trees and the camaraderie of fellow volunteers instantly lifted our spirits.

Assigned to barcode scanning duty, Kubilay and I became the gatekeepers of data, diligently recording each runner’s ID and finishing position. We felt like secret agents of the running world, gathering intel for the greater good of Parkrun statistics. The runners, grateful for our efforts, showered us with thanks!

After the last runner crossed the finish line, we triumphantly packed up our scanning equipment and headed for a well-deserved coffee break. As we sat in a nearby manor house, sipping our drinks and basking in the satisfaction of a job well done, we couldn’t help but marvel at the unexpected adventure volunteering had turned out to be. Who knew saving Parkrun could be so exhilarating?