THE organisers of Dumbarton’s weekly parkrun event have appealed for more people to join their crew of volunteer organisers – with advice that you don’t need to be a runner or a jogger to feel the benefits of being part of the team.

The easing of Scotland’s lockdown restrictions meant the Levengrove parkrun event was able to resume in August – almost 17 months after it was put on hold by the pandemic.

But the success of the Levengrove event – which, like other parkruns, is held every Saturday morning, over a distance of 5km, but with no time limit to complete the course – now means the organisers need more people to oversee proceedings and ensure all the participants, and other park users, are kept safe.

The Levengrove parkrun currently has six directors - Charlotte Craig, David Kennedy, Maureen Byrne, Sharon Goldie, Theresa McIntyre and Anna Napier.

And though the winter months may be closing in, Anna says that only makes it more vital to boost your own mental health, as well as your physical wellbeing, in whatever way you can.

Anna told the Reporter: “All aspects of parkrun, whether you are volunteering, walking, jogging or running the course are proven to have a positive impact on physical and mental health.

“There’s a way for everyone to take part in parkrun, from babies in buggies being pushed around the course, to enthusiastic dogs practically dragging their owners around, to those who love nothing more than being a marshal cheering on those taking part.

“I know from my own experience, that getting out into fresh air - even when it’s pouring with rain - and interacting with others, safely and at a distance, really helps, particularly when you least feel like it.

“What we’ve all been through these last 18 months, even if you’ve not been directly affected by Covid, has had a massive impact on our collective mental health. Having parkrun back is a real boost.”

The parkrun is free and takes place every Saturday at 9.30am at Levengrove Park.

To find out more, visit parkrun.org.uk/levengrove.