Project Overview
parkrun has become a global sensation, with free, weekly 5km events in 22 countries that bring communities together. To manage event timing and tracking across thousands of locations, parkrun needed a solution that was as flexible and reliable as its dedicated community. That’s where we came in.
The Challenge
In the past, parkrun events relied on traditional stopwatches, bulky scanners, and equipment that was often challenging and costly to maintain. With the rapid growth of parkrun’s events worldwide, they needed a streamlined, cost-effective, and scalable solution. They envisioned a tool that would work on everyday smartphones, empower volunteers, and make the logistics of event management more efficient.
Our Solution
Our team crafted the Virtual Volunteer app, a sleek, intuitive solution that took event management to the next level. Designed for both Android and iOS, the app allows volunteers to record participant times and scan barcodes with ease. We focused on:
- Custom User Interface & Branding – Creating an interface that’s simple and effective for volunteers of all tech skill levels.
- Native iOS & Android Support – Ensuring full compatibility across devices and delivering the best possible performance.
- Smart Stopwatch & Barcode Scanning – Tailored specifically for parkrun’s needs, replacing the outdated tech with a reliable, digital alternative.
- Multi-Language Support – Making the app accessible for parkrun communities around the world.
- API Integration – In 2020, we integrated the app with parkrun’s systems, delivering results faster than ever and enabling instant access to critical data.
Outcome
The app was fully released in late 2017 and has since been an indispensable asset for parkrun. It now processes around 400,000 results weekly across nearly 2,000 locations worldwide, bringing significant savings on hardware while improving reliability. The Virtual Volunteer app has become the heartbeat of parkrun’s operations, praised for its efficiency, dependability, and ease of use.