Course Layout
In instances where race directors need help marking the course prior to the start of the race, they make seek a course layout volunteers. Using the course map, mark the course appropriately and to the race director’s specifications. Materials may include cones, flags, marking tape, and mile markers. This volunteer may also be asked to drop the water stop supplies at the appropriate location. Post-race duties include sweeping the race course and collecting all materials and equipment, along with any trash found along the way.
Course Marshal
Provide on-site race cheering and support. You will be assigned to a location along the race course. Depending on the course, duties may include directing approaching participants to stay on course, stopping on-coming traffic until participants have passed, providing alternate routes to drivers, and encouraging participants as they pass by.
Equipment Pick Up & Return
Meet therace director at the club warehouse and, following a checklist, find all the equipment needed for the race, load it into the club van (or truck for larger races) and take it to the race site. After the race when all the equipment has been collected and loaded back onto the van, take the equipment back to the shed, clean it (as needed), and return to its original places. Let club officials know of any equipment that needs repair or replacement.
Parking
Work with fellow volunteers to direct runners into appropriate parking spaces, moving cars quickly through parking lots or fields working to avoid backups and traffic jams. Many times fellow volunteers break off into two teams so two lanes of cars can be directed simultaneously into open parking spaces. This moves traffic more quickly helping to avoid back ups. Keep in mind drivers always need to see a volunteer so they know where to go or which lane to turn down. Remain in their line of sight so you can send them down a lane or around a corner to the next volunteer. Prior to race morning, familiarize yourself with information such as where registration is located, where restrooms are located, start time of the race, and start location as you may be asked those questions.
Water Stop
Be on the other side of the cup! This position has you arriving 60 minutes or so before the race to work as a team with fellow water stop volunteers to move and set-up tables with cups half-filled with water and/or sports drink. Once participants have come through the water stop, volunteers are responsible for raking up the dispensed cups, gathering the trash, and breaking down the tables. Your other role is also providing smiles, clapping, cheers, and more while pouring water into cups.
Start Line / Finish Line
Help set-up and break-down the equipment for the start/finish line (i.e. timing mats, start line tape, tent for scoring team, cones). Duties may also include collecting chips from finishing participants and helping the timing team with questions and troubleshooting.
Refreshments
Following the guidelines from the county health department, volunteers will be responsible for setting up the post-race refreshment area as well as preparing the items for consumption. Restock as needed throughout the service, and clean up the area after the race.
Registration
Typically registration volunteers are the first point of contact for runners taking part in MCRRC events so bring your smiles! Volunteers help participants complete online registration, distribute bibs and chips, and answer general questions. This is a great job for early birds or folks wishing to also run the race. This is sometimes even a coveted indoor job!