Boulder Running.com Your
Running Resource on the Front Range |
|
           |
|
Features |
Volunteering 201 - Learning from Race Directors and Volunteer CoordinatorsVolunteering is a great way to give something back to the running community. You can meet many new people, be rewarded with schwag and find new motivation for your own running. Even if you are running the race you can still volunteer by helping with handing out flyers, registration, stuffing bags or tearing down the event. Here is an inside look from a few of our local Race Directors and Volunteer Coordinators who understand that building loyalty, giving back, and showing appreciation makes for a great experience for all.  Typical Volunteer Jobs/Duties:
Adam Feerst is the Volunteer Coordinator for the Inaugural Arby’s Rocky Mountain Half Marathon as well as Race Director for local trail races. “You can not do a race without volunteers, they are critical! I personally like volunteering because of the energy of the race and giving back to the community.” “Be prepared to stand around and do nothing for a while. This doesn’t mean that the race director doesn’t need you. Just be patient” Feerst noted that typically an event will be very slow at the beginning and end of the event with high intensity activity in the middle. Jane Weitzel has been the volunteer coordinator for the Boulder Backroads for three years now and recently worked the Title Nine 9k. This year they will be looking for 350 volunteers for the Backroads Marathon and Half-Marathon on Sept 25, 2005. “The biggest thing is I would like the volunteers to commit. If you say you are going to do it, please show up. This is the best way to ensure a good experience for all.” Weitzel realizes the importance in rewarding volunteers, and shows that appreciation with t-shirts, hats and last year she baked 120 dozen cookies for the volunteers of the Backroads Marathon. “I will never look at another snicker doodle the same again” joked Jane. John Oliva works at many of the races in town including the Boulder Backroads, Rocky Mountain Half Marathon, the 5430 Triathlon series, is the Race Director of the KBCO Kinetics 5k and is the consummate man behind the scenes. “Volunteers are given specific instructions, contact numbers, how to mix the Gatorade, etc. Course marshals are given maps and a description of the course and corner where they would be positioned. Just trying to make it as easy as possible for people.” “They are get lunch, a t-shirt, and a ticket to a Rockies game. Bring extra stuff and be prepared to work most of the morning” Oliva added. Rich Castro, the president of the Boulder Road Runners puts on several races throughout the year such as the CU Turkey Trot, as well as bringing volunteers to other downtown races. “What I hope to accomplish is to build a culture with my volunteers by being loyal, complimentary and show they are properly appreciated. We do this in part by using our Nike sponsorship to co brand garments and gear like technical hats or a jacket, something they would find useful. I also inform them what cause they are donating their time to.” “Since we use the same folks for most of our events, I try to keep the commitment level down by only doing about one event per month, this keeps them interested, motivated and makes it a good experience for them.” Nancy Kauffold wears many hats with the Bolder Boulder organization, among them the Volunteer Coordinator. Since the BolderBoulder needs assistance from over 2,700 volunteers they look to larger groups such as companies and non-profits to help fill that void. Every year the BolderBOULDER makes donations to local non-profit organizations that bring a group of 10 or more volunteers to the race. This concept started back when Former Race Director Steve Bosley was helping young Cliff Bosley sell candy bars and hold car washes to support their Boy Scout Troop and Steve thought, “I have jobs for the race, this can be mutually beneficial.” Kauffold stated the sooner volunteers sign up, the smoother it can go. This allows for better training as she writes up highly detailed letters on timelines and expectations. “This is what they are choosing to do on their day off, so we need to be super organized for a good experience”, said Kauffold. “There is nothing worse than not knowing the answers to the many questions you might get that day and wishing you could just run away.” Earn a free race entry: Individuals can volunteer for the BolderBoulder to earn a free entry to the 2005 race, the official short sleeve race t-shirt and a ticket to a Rocky’s Game. Many of these positions are on the Sat the 28th and Sun the 29th. Check the Bolder Boulder website for listings.
Websites for the races mentioned are listed below, but be sure to ask any race organizer about volunteer opportunities. Give back to the running community, you will be glad you did! Remember, be sure to thank volunteers as you run by, because without them the race would not go on. ................................................................... Celestial Seasonings BolderBoulder - www.bolderboulder.com Arby's Rocky Mountain Half Marathon and LUNA Women's 8k - www.rmrunning.com Nike Boulder Backroads - boulderbackroads.com |
|
