JOIN THE TEAM
Blaydon Harriers – powered by people like you! Athletics thrives because of passionate volunteers, and at Blaydon Harriers, we’re proud to be run entirely by people who volunteer their time, energy, and enthusiasm. Whether you're a runner, a parent cheering from the side-lines, or someone looking to give back to your community, there’s a place for you to get involved.
No experience? No problem. Limited time? That’s fine. However much – or little – you can do, we’ll make it easy, flexible, and rewarding. Here’s how you can help, starting with the smallest time commitment.
Whether you lend a hand once a year, take on a regular role, or just pitch in when you can, every bit of support makes a big difference. However you choose to get involved, we’ll make sure it fits around your life and feels enjoyable. No pressure – just plenty of appreciation and a warm welcome!
LEND A HAND WHEN YOU CAN
Perfect for busy lives – even one-off help goes a long way.
Support our events and race days by taking on simple but essential roles like:
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Cross country crew - help pitch the tent, serve refreshments, or support the runners.
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Track and field events - rake the long jump pit or assist officials and team managers.
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Club 5K time trial - guide, time, or encourage runners.
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Club track events - help record results or time races.
These roles are great if you can only help occasionally or at short notice. You don’t need any experience – we’ll show you what to do, and you’ll always be supported on the day.
SUPPORT THE BLAYDON RACE
Help deliver one of the North East’s most iconic running events.
The Blaydon Race raises crucial funds both for the Club and for local charities – and it simply wouldn’t happen without volunteers. Over 250 people help make it possible each year, and there are plenty of ways to get involved:
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Race marshal - guide and cheer on runners during the Blaydon Race or the Junior Blaydon Race.
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Big Lick - help pack race numbers into envelopes ahead of race day.
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Big Bag Pack - help fill goody bags for runners.
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Set up - assist with setting up the finish area.
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Tidy up - help with packing down and clearing the site.
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Race Advisory Group - get involved in the planning and preparation of the event.
Most roles take just a few hours and don’t require any experience – we’ll give you everything you need. It’s a great way to be part of a brilliant day, support the Club, and experience the race from the inside!
JOIN THE COMMITTEE
Shape the future of the club and make a lasting impact.
Our committee keeps the club running (pun very much intended!) – planning events, supporting members, and making decisions about how we grow and improve. Roles include Chair, Treasurer, Secretary, and Membership Secretary, among others. We’re always keen to welcome new people, fresh perspectives and different skills.
You’ll need to attend regular meetings and take on a bit of responsibility, but you’ll be part of a friendly, supportive team. Most roles take just a few hours each month.
Now’s a great time to get involved – our next AGM is coming up at the end of September.
TRAIN AS AN OFFICIAL
Make competition possible - and fair.
Officials are a vital part of athletics. Without them, we couldn’t run competitions, record results, or support athletes in achieving their best. It’s a rewarding way to get involved in the sport and make a visible difference at events.
You don’t need to be an expert or have any prior experience – just an interest in learning. England Athletics offers clear pathways to get started, with courses in:
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Track
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Field
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Timekeeping
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Starter
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Photo finish
Introductory qualifications are usually online and take just a few hours. You’ll begin by shadowing experienced officials and can build confidence at your own pace. As a qualified official, you’ll not only support athletes – you’ll also help the Club earn points in team competitions. Whether you volunteer at one or two events per year, help out once a month or once a week, there is an opportunity for everyone.
BECOME A COACH OR RUN LEADER
Inspire others and share your love of running and athletics.
Coaching is one of the most fulfilling ways to support the club. Whether you want to support a training group, or become a qualified coach, we’ll help you get there.
England Athletics offers a range of qualifications to suit different levels of experience, including:
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Leading Athletics – a short online course, ideal for young volunteers or those doing Duke of Edinburgh
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Leadership in Running Fitness (LiRF) – for leading groups in endurance-based sessions (e.g. road or cross country)
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Coaching Assistant – your first step into technical coaching, including jumps, throws and sprints
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Athletics Coach – for those who want to design and lead training across all event groups
You don’t need to be a top athlete or have a coaching background – just enthusiasm and a willingness to learn. We’ll help match you to the right qualification, cover the cost of the qualification, and provide mentoring along the way.
By growing our coaching team, we can offer more places to athletes currently on our waiting list – especially in junior groups. We’re also keen to welcome a sprint coach, so we can provide sprint training as part of our club programme again.
Find out more about coaching qualifications.
WHY VOLUNTEER?
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Make friends and feel part of the team
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Learn new skills or build on existing ones
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Support the next generation of athletes
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Give something back to your local community
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Have fun, stay active, and make a difference
READY TO GET INVOLVED?
We'd love to hear from you!
Fill in our short volunteer form below to let us know how you’d like to help – it only takes a minute!Prefer to chat first?
Email our Secretary, or speak to a coach or committee member at training.
However you get in touch, we’ll be thrilled to hear from you.