Student volunteers are helping children and young people experience the achievement and enjoyment of running. Image Hare and Hounds Running club The University is one of the top five sporting universities in the UK and has over 60 different sports clubs. As well as aiming for sporting excellence, and having lots of fun, many students volunteer in their spare time and work with individuals and groups in the community. Members of the Hare and Hounds Club, established in 1890, take part in hill, road and long distance running and are Scottish Universities Cross Country Champions. The club is inclusive and includes runners of any and all abilities who meet up, run and socialise together. Affectionately known as the ‘Haries’, members also provide assistance and support at community running and athletics events across Edinburgh and Scotland, whether acting as marshals or offering friendly encouragement to those taking part. Many of the students have volunteered since their schooldays and really enjoy making a difference in young people’s lives. Our members get a lot from running as a sport and as a pastime so we’re very keen to promote active lives and to encourage people to get involved in running in some way. Volunteering with young people supports them in achieving and helps them build confidence. It’s lovely to see children smiling when you’re encouraging them and, although it is only a small amount of our time, I feel it can make a big and positive difference in their lives. Ben Murphy, Haries Men’s Captain Haries partner with a wide variety of running organisations including Parkrun UK, Scottish Disability Sports (SDS), Scottish Student Sport (SSS) and Active Edinburgh, usually at our Peffermill playing facilities or in Holyrood Park. At the Junior Parkrun events, students volunteer every Sunday and work with young children up to age 14 years. The volunteers who assist at Scottish Disability Sports events support disabled teenagers at SDS Cross Country events twice each semester. Members also help out at a variety of SSS events with students and young adults throughout the year. Thank you so much for the support we received from Hare and Hounds members at Peffermill Playing Fields. We were so pleased to have their support with marshalling the course which was very effective in encouraging pupils to complete the distance.” John de Courcy, Cross Country Organiser, Scottish Disability Sport This article was published on 2024-07-22
