| If you have ever competed in a marathon or half | | | | aid stations or elsewhere along the race course, and |
| marathon, then you probably are aware that many | | | | they may handle the emptying of trash receptacles in |
| of these road-race events are supported by tens, | | | | those or other areas. |
| hundreds, or thousands of volunteers. | | | | - Course Marshals/Officials: These volunteers help to |
| The registration fees and sponsorship money simply | | | | ensure that racers stay on the race course and that |
| are insufficient to pay all of the people who fill all of | | | | spectators stay off it. They also can help with |
| the roles filled by volunteers. But many people year | | | | soliciting aid to racers or others in emergency |
| after year volunteer to support their local marathon | | | | situations. |
| or half marathon. | | | | - Course Timers: These volunteers sit or stand at |
| If you have never volunteered, then you may not | | | | mile or kilometer markers along the course and |
| know that the insights gained from the experience | | | | announce the overall paces of runners and walkers |
| can actually help you in several ways when you later | | | | based on those racers' split times at those markers. |
| run or walk a marathon or half marathon -- no matter | | | | - Finish Line: Volunteers here may dispense finisher |
| whether it is the same event or some other event in | | | | medals and may help with ensuring that half |
| the same city or another city. | | | | marathoners and marathoners cross distinct timing |
| But what are the volunteer possibilities? | | | | mats. |
| Here is a list of ten volunteer roles and some details | | | | - Finisher T-Shirts: This volunteer role requires you to |
| behind each one: | | | | dispense finisher shirts to race finishers according to |
| - Aid Stations: Often called water stops, these are | | | | their requested sizes. |
| the locations along the race course where volunteers | | | | - Packet Stuffing and Pick-up: Among the ten |
| dispense water or electrolyte drinks to runners and | | | | volunteer roles listed here, this is the only role that |
| walkers who pass by them. | | | | most likely will require your effort before race day -- |
| - Bag Drop: This is where any racer who has personal | | | | stuffing packets ("goodie bags") for racers and then |
| items (such as spare shoes or toiletries) that he or | | | | matching racers' registration information (such as a |
| she might want immediately after finishing the race | | | | printout or a driver license) to their racing bibs so |
| (instead of returning all the way to his or her car or | | | | that they pick up full and accurate packets. |
| hotel room) can drop off and recover a | | | | - Post-Race Party: If you volunteer for this role, then |
| bib-number-matching bag. So this volunteer role | | | | you may be asked to fill any of several support roles |
| requires you to accept bags before a race begins, | | | | for the celebration held after the race. |
| maintain the security of the bags throughout the | | | | - Race Results: You assist with the entry, tallying, and |
| race, and retrieve and return the bags to racers at | | | | reporting of race results in this role. |
| the end of the race. | | | | There you have it: ten ways to help as a volunteer |
| - Clean-up: Volunteers in this role collect discarded | | | | for your next local marathon or half marathon in |
| cups, food wrappers, and other items from around | | | | which you will not be racing! |