Wednesday, February 27, 2013

The Year of the Volunteer

While on my little break from running, I've had some time to reflect on what is important and why I like to run. Something that is important to every race is the volunteers! I've volunteered at the Ragnar Relay to help out a friend (each team requires 3 volunteers) last year. Although my experience with Ragnar was mixed, if my friends needed me, I would do it again.
Meeting Kate at the finish line of her ultra Ragnar relay
And being able to give her a medal!
(That was my task, distributing medals)

Watching the sunrise as we set up the finish line

I've decided that this year I want to take on more volunteering responsibilities. I haven't shied away from volunteering in the past and I think this will be a great way to give back to the running community. I already have a few opportunities in mind for this year but am also looking for more. If you help run a race or know an organization that is looking for some volunteers, let me know. If it fits with my schedule, I'll do my best to be there and help.

Have you volunteered at races before? How have your experiences been? I know some folks have had problems with rude runners with an attitude, but that seems to me in the minority versus the majority. Do you have any plans to volunteer at some races in 2013?

9 comments:

  1. I have never volunteered and I feel slightly guilty that I haven't. Maybe I should try it this summer...

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  2. Are you running the Palos half? Maybe you can volunteer there. I'm running that as my first half ever, although I'm going to down support some FN runners the week before Champaign as they run their marathon. I think volunteering is a great idea!

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  3. We can always use volunteers for the Race That's Good For Life 5K. Just email volunteers@oprc.net! It's on April 28th this year. I'll be there volunteering in some capacity.

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  4. I will say, I prefer volunteering to running on those super hot summer days like Ragnar was last year!

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  5. I'm thinking about it Jill, that one is definitely on my list. It will be a great one for your first half, for sure!

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  6. Great to know, thanks Erin! If you'll be there, I just might! :)

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  7. Amy B @ Second City RandomnessFebruary 27, 2013 at 3:28 PM

    Well I definitely know I won't be volunteering at Hot Chocolate again... what a freakin' mess! We've discussed this... lol. But Girls on the Run is always fun if you're looking for something different! Last time I helped out, I was in the tiara tent. WIN.

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  8. I had a lot of fun volunteering at the SF10 last year! This year I'm thinking about volunteering at the marathon. I'm sad that I won't be running it, but this way, I can still feel like part of the event! I also enjoyed volunteering at the Shamrock Shuffle expo last year on behalf of Fort2Base.

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  9. Love this! I need to focus on volunteering too! My only bad experiences have been unorganization at the race and feeling like there was nothing for me to do.

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