5 Reasons To Volunteer At A Race
There are a lot of reasons to give back by offering your time and help on race day.
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The race day vibe is a contagious one. It’s the reason so many of us started running. But you don’t have to run the race to enjoy race day. Volunteering can be just as fun and rewarding. Here are some reasons why you should help out at an event.
Discover a New Race: Volunteering at an event you have never run is a great way to discover a new race before participating in it. You’ll get the insiders view of how the race organized and a close up glimpse of the course, giving you an advantage when you decide to run.
You’re the Perfect Fan: We’ve all heard a spectator or two shout “You’re almost there!” when the finish line is nowhere in sight. As a volunteer you’re in the perfect position to encourage runners because you’ve been in their shoes.
Newfound Appreciation: Filling countless cups with water, standing out in the cold or rain, arriving early and staying late—whatever it is that you do as a volunteer will give you a newfound appreciation for the effort that goes into pulling off a race. Next time you’re running, that “thank you” you say to a volunteer will mean a lot more since you’ve been there.
Help A Good Cause: Many races are fundraisers for local charities, schools or philanthropy groups. Volunteering at a race means you’re not only helping out on race day, but your efforts are going to support a greater cause.
Get Inspired: There’s nothing quite as inspiring as watching a first time runner cross the finish line. If you happen to be the volunteer at the end handing out medals, it can be an incredibly moving moment to share that accomplishment with another runner.