A Role for Everyone
Runners often see volunteers at packet pick-up prior to race day, manning the water stations along the course and handing out T-shirts, medals and snacks at the finish line, but there are many other tasks you can do to help out. With the exception of the ambulance crews on standby for medical emergencies, even the entire race day medical team is made up of volunteers. Volunteers also set up and tear down the start and finish areas, staff booths and sell merchandise at the expo and even act as concierges to pro athletes brought in to speak at the expo and the finish area.As you might expect, some roles are harder to fill than others, so if you want to make the most of your time volunteering, ask the coordinator where you are needed most. "Everyone wants to staff the fluid stations because they're on the course, and that's exciting," Haapala says. "But there are a few roles we have more trouble filling each year."
For TCM, it can be tougher to find course marshals and security staff who may need to have a more assertive personality to keep pedestrians and vehicles from crossing the course or entering off-limits areas at the start and finish. "The starting line crew is another one that can be tough to fill because of the very early start time, but they also get done first so they can get out to cheer on the runners if they want to." The race is also always looking for more members on its Green Teams—crews that marshal the start and finish areas to maximize composting and recycling as much as possible.
Run Three, Work One
Haapala's mother is an avid runner who has completed over 40 marathons. "She always says, 'For every three you run, volunteer for one." TCM has started using the phrase as a slogan on some of its volunteer recruitment literature. It's not only a great rule of thumb but also a way runners can actively participate in making events better while giving back to the community that keeps showing up for them race after race.Now that you know what it takes to get runners to the start line, through the course and across the finishing chute, do your part by volunteering at a race near you.
READ THIS NEXT: 23 Things Runners Absolutely Love