parkrun Virtual Volunteer vs parkrunner
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
parkrun Virtual Volunteer
This free application serves as the official timer and scanner for parkrun events. Volunteers can easily record times and scan participant barcodes using a simple interface. Data is submitted directly to parkrun via QR code.
- Official parkrun timer
- Official parkrun scanner
- Simple interface
- Direct data submission
- QR code integration
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Virtual Volunteer is the official parkrun timer and scanner application and it is free to download for volunteers to use at parkrun events. 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.
parkrunner
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parkrunner is finally available on iOS! The app is designed to be simple, easy to use, and focused on what matters most: helping you keep track of all your parkrun results. Key Features: • Track your results - keep a history of all your weekly 5k runs. • See your progress - analyse performance trends over time. • Follow friends & family - view their results alongside your own. • Celebrate milestones - track your run, walk, jog, and volunteer activities. • Unlock achievements - take on fun challenges like the Alphabet or Stopwatch Bingo. • Your digital barcode - never forget your barcode again. • Discover events - find your nearest parkrun with the interactive event map. • Stay updated - check the latest event cancellations before you set off. About: parkrunner is a personal passion project, built in my spare time. It is not associated with or endorsed by parkrun - just a tool created by a fellow parkrunner to make tracking your results a little easier. Permissions: • Camera - optional, for scanning barcodes to sign in or follow other parkrunners. • Location - optional, for showing your position on the event map.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is update cadence: parkrunner at every 3 weeks against parkrun Virtual Volunteer's every 5 months. parkrun Virtual Volunteer's advantage is iOS requirement (12.1 vs 16.0). On price, ads, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.
Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS
Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.
parkrun Virtual Volunteer ships an update every 5 months, parkrunner every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on November 6, 2026 and October 30, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | parkrun Virtual Volunteer | parkrunner |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 5.0 (3 ratings) — better | — |
| Positive reviews | 66.7% of reviews | — |
| Number of ratings | 3 — better | — |
| Update frequency | Every 5 months | Every 3 weeks — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Monetization | Free | — |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod — better | iPhone, iPad |
| Requires iOS | 12.1 — better | 16.0 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 12 MB | 58 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | parkrun Global Limited | Christopher Hopkin |
Bugs and requests
parkrun Virtual Volunteer
Reported bugs
26 issues- App picks up position 1 when starting timer
- Volume button also records a time
- Volume button issues with timing
- Sound effects bug: audio doesn't work
- IOS 15 issues with volume button timing
Show 21 moreShow fewer
- App loops scanning same position multiple times
- Scanner results not exporting correctly if position scanned twice
- Accidental presses due to large touch area
- Volume button bug with timing
- Macro lens not engaged for barcode scanning
- Timekeeping bug with initial position pickup
- No longer vibrates on barcode scan
- Volume control changes ringer volume, not app volume
- Timekeeping bug with volume buttons
- App crashes phone
- Audio doesn't work when starting app with audio off
- Volume button issues with timing on iOS 15
- Scanner allows multiple scans of the same barcode
- App loops scanning same position multiple times
- Scanner results not exporting correctly if position scanned twice
- Accidental presses due to large touch area
- Volume button bug with timing
- Macro lens not engaged for barcode scanning
- Timekeeping bug with initial position pickup
- No longer vibrates on barcode scan
- Volume control changes ringer volume, not app volume
Requested features
30 requests- Add swipe to delete option
- Allow typing barcode manually
- Store participant digital barcode
- Ability to fix errors before uploading
- Validate scanned barcodes
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- Allow editing times/barcodes before processing
- Feature to volunteer directly from app
- Add capture sound for timer
- Make timer buttons not edge-to-edge
- Discreet undo button for timer
- Smaller timer button area
- Display padding zone in different color
- Add haptic feedback to timer button
- Customizable timer sound
- Allow deletion of accidental time entries
- Allow deletion of runner to continue scanning
- Add NFC support
- Instructions for new users
- Flag token number as 'Forgotten barcode'
- Manually enter person's name for forgotten barcode
- Option to select single entry and delete
- Modify app for smaller touch area
- Function to remove last entered time
- Turn WiFi off prompt
- Haptic feedback on each click for timekeeping
- Disable volume buttons when timekeeping
- Allow users to store barcode for participation
- Add a flash feedback on each split
- Reminder to switch to flight mode
- Reminder about volume buttons as split buttons
parkrunner
Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.
In-app purchases
parkrun Virtual Volunteer
No in-app purchases
parkrunner
No in-app purchases
Questions
Is parkrun Virtual Volunteer free?
Is parkrunner free?
Do parkrun Virtual Volunteer or parkrunner have ads?
Which is updated more often, parkrun Virtual Volunteer or parkrunner?
Other comparisons
