Virtual Volunteer

parkrun Global

About this app

Virtual Volunteer is the official parkrun timer and scanner application and it is free to download for volunteers to use at a parkrun event.

It is easy to use with a very simple interface.

Scanner and timer data can be submitted directly to parkrun using a QR code supplied by the Run Director on the day.

Ratings and reviews

The timekeeper function doesn't just register when you hit the stopwatch button but registers a click from anywhere on the bottom half of the screen. If you hold your phone by the edges (which everyone does), you run the risk of counting multiple fantom runners, especially when you're wearing mittens or gloves. It should give us a safe border on the edges of the screen. That would save a lot of time for the run director and the timekeeper when they have to clean up the results after a run.

On the timing element of the app, it would be a massive improvement if the big blue "stopwatch" button could be made slightly smaller with a non-touchable border. It's too easy to mis-record when wearing gloves or in the rain or even just when gripping the phone tightly. Unfortunately parkrun support appear to ignore all constructive criticism about the app as there are a few reviews mentioning the same issue.

Very simple to use! I have just downloaded the app to my Samsung S10, and admittedly have only played with it (not used in real world), but seems incredibly straightforward. I like the fact it suggests flight mode is enabled- reduce the risk of interruption during timing. The scanner works in portrait or landscape and the barcode does not need to be perfectly aligned. I might just volunteer for timing roles now, rather than avoiding it!!

What’s new

Fixed: Edge to edge rendering in Android 15