- Monton Runners members volunteered at Worsley Woods parkrun on 19 October
- The group wanted to give back to the local running community
- New members of all abilities are welcome, say the group’s leadership
Local running group Monton Runners held a parkrun takeover at yesterday’s (19 October) Worsley Woods event, with 20 members volunteering in a bid to give back to the running community.
Organised by one of Monton Runners’ leaders, Chris Pickering, the volunteers helped 390 runners, joggers, and walkers cross the finish line.
Of 33 total volunteers, 16 were first timers, and took on roles such as barcode scanning, funnel management, dispensing finish tokens, and course marshalling.
Chris, 36, who has been running for around 15 years, said: “There are quite a few of us from Monton Runners who go to parkrun fairly religiously, and even though some have volunteered before, a lot of us hadn’t.
“I thought it was time to give back to a community which serves us so well. We also run regularly on the loopline – it’s our local parkrun, so it had to be Worsley Woods that we chose.”
Monton Runners was established in December 2023 by Joel Shelvin, who wanted to create a ‘fun, free, and friendly’ running club that was accessible to all, regardless of ability.
Now, there are nine leaders who help to organise runs, with over 60 active members. “Anyone is welcome any week.” Chris added.
“It’s really important to us at Monton Runners that everyone is included, so although we have some really experienced and fast runners, we also make sure that every run has a tail runner to ensure that everyone feels welcome, no matter their ability or experience.”
“Monton Runners is continuously growing, and letting everyone at parkrun know that we are here was another reason for wanting to do the takeover.”
Chris Pickering
Monton Runners member and first-time parkrun volunteer Imogen Mayo, 24, said that for her, it was important to ‘do her bit’ and give back to the running community.
After getting into long-distance running during COVID, Imogen said: “Moving to Manchester from Liverpool, I didn’t really know anyone in the area so used the club as a way to meet people.
“I’ve been made to feel really welcome and included. I love the diversity of ages and abilities and always leave a session feeling fulfilled.”
George Frewer, 48, started running at 40 and explained that for him, running long distances is about peace and headspace.
He said: “I’m an occasional parkrunner and have done Worsley Woods a good number of times, as well as occasionally volunteering. I wanted to be part of the takeover as it’s very important to me to give back my time, and doing it with the gang is the perfect opportunity.”
George added that, as a leader of Monton Runners who joined the group in February, he has found the other runners to be ‘really supportive’ on runs when he hasn’t felt at is best physically or mentally.
“On days when I don’t really fancy it, the motivation to help others and run with those who are at the start of their running journey makes it worthwhile. I didn’t know I needed a running club in my life, but I am so thankful that I do.”
Another volunteer was Jess Pounder, 33, who grew up in Monton before moving to Bolton at 25. After completing Couch to 5K last year, she joined Monton Runners in Summer.
“I always thank the parkrun volunteers and the events couldn’t go ahead without them,” Jess said. “I wanted to give back.”
She described her experience with Monton Runners as being ‘very supportive’, and enjoys being able to talk to people on runs, meet people of different fitness levels, as well as feeling encouraged to continue in her running journey.
“Monton Runners has improved my running and my social life!”
Jess Pounder
Now, the leaders of Monton Runners are keen to welcome more members to the club for their runs, hikes, and social outings.
The group meets every Monday at 19:15 for a 5k run, starting and ending at Malt Dog on Monton Road, where many of the runners stay for a social drink afterwards.
Longer runs are held on Thursday evenings at 19:00, with the option to run a faster-paced 10k, or a shorter route often between 6-8k at a more relaxed pace.
Many of the runners have also signed up to complete the Great Manchester Run in May 2025, which for many of the members will be their first half marathon. On the run up to the event, the group will be supporting with training and getting up to distance.
Chris concluded: “Organisations like Parkrun and Monton Runners are so important in local communities. There are obvious benefits for your health, but the thing that has stood out for me since I joined the group in March is the social aspect.
“Although I’ve ran for years, I’ve never enjoyed it more and that is because of the supportive network we have curated. I knew no one when I started, and now I have a huge number of people motivating and supporting me – not just with running but in every aspect of my life!”
To get in touch with Monton Runners, they are contactable on Facebook or Instagram.
Monton Matters 