University Volunteers from 10 Nations Rally for Stevenage’s 40th Marathon

As part of its support of community sport in Hertfordshire, Herts Sport & Physical Activity Partnership (HSP) assembled a team of volunteers to assist with the marshalling of Stevenage’s 40th anniversary Marathon and Half Marathon event, held on Sunday 20th October 2024.  

The group which included University of Hertfordshire (UH) staff and students from 10 different countries – Nepal, Bangladesh, Pakistan, India, Denmark, Hungary, Nigeria, Cameroon, Ireland and Wales – responded to a call from former HSP Board member and current Mayor of Stevenage, Jim Brown, of the Fairlands Valley Spartans Running Club - the event organisers - for additional volunteers to support the event. 

Despite atrocious weather conditions there were over 700 finishers, including Jim Brown, who in doing so, became the first serving Stevenage Mayor to complete the 26.2-mile course during their term of office.  

The Partnership’s representatives gleaned invaluable insight into the importance of volunteers in making possible largescale community sporting events, and how such programmes can unite communities, and showcase areas as attractive places to live and work. 

In thanking the volunteers, Cllr. Brown said: 

“On behalf of the club, I would like to offer my sincere thanks and gratitude to the university’s students and staff for giving up their Sunday, to support our event. It was lovely to see representatives of so many countries descend on Stevenage, and I hope that despite the inclement weather, they left with a favourable impression of Stevenage and its people.  

Events like this can only happen with the support of volunteers and the overwhelmingly positive feedback that we have had from the event, is testament to their selfless efforts.” 

In reflecting on the day Viki Huszar one of HSP’s Graduate Project Leads, and coordinator for the volunteer programme said: 

“Our team of volunteers had an enjoyable day out supporting this fantastic event. It gave us invaluable insight into volunteering and to the lives and motivations of our students – particularly those from overseas.  

I was delighted at the way in which the group responded, by coming together to assist a great local event, and I hope this will be the first of many such events that we are able to help. Volunteers are the glue that make community sport programmes possible, and it was interesting - and heartening - to observe the students coming together and bonding as part of an outstanding effort. 

Some of the students are studying for their Masters in Public Health and were able to witness firsthand how large-scale community events of this kind can have such a positive impact on the physical and mental wellbeing of participants and those communities where they live and work. A great example of academia meeting real life!” 

For further details please contact Viki Huszar, v.huszar@herts.ac.uk