U.S. Air Force Marathon seeks volunteer team leads and volunteer groups for critical roles

  • Published
  • By Chris McGee
  • 88th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Oh --  With planning for the 2009 U.S. Air Force Marathon well under way, the marathon office is seeking volunteer team leads and team members for a variety of critical roles.

Marathon officials are looking for team leads, or 'key volunteers', to oversee a team of volunteers in areas such as marathon expo logistics, expo and race day volunteer manpower, marathon route logistics, finish line coordination and parking.

The marathon also is in need of a few groups of at least 40 volunteers each to work the more than 20 hydration stations along the route. Most groups normally consist of individuals from the same offices or units on base.

Overall, marathon officials expect more than 2,000 volunteers to support this year's event, which will take place Sept. 19 on base. The total number underscores the crucial role that volunteers perform in making the marathon possible.

"Volunteers are extremely important to the success of the marathon," said Allison Frey, volunteer coordinator for the marathon. "With the possibility of up to 10,000 runners participating, we will rely on volunteers for a variety of jobs, including passing out food and drinks, directing participants along the course and helping set up for such a huge event."

Growing runner participation continues to fuel a greater need for volunteers. Last year, the marathon attracted a record of approximately 7,400 runners to Wright-Patterson AFB, eclipsing the 2007 mark of about 6,400.

With so many volunteers contributing across a range of functions, marathon officials rely heavily on key volunteers to lead their respective teams effectively.

"Key volunteers are especially important to us since they cover all of the places that the marathon staff can't be on race day," said Frey. "We try to prepare them for their specific duties so they can lead the other volunteers; our key volunteers are a tremendous help to us."

According to Frey, the main characteristic that the marathon office seeks in a key volunteer is dedication. Key volunteers will serve as the point of contact for their respective team and will be asked to attend meetings before their scheduled work dates so they understand their responsibilities and can prepare and direct their teams accordingly.

Since general volunteer online registration begins May 1, the marathon office would like to secure key volunteers as soon as possible. Training sessions will be held in June, July and August.

For more information or to inquire into volunteering, contact Allison Frey at 257-5052, the marathon office at 257-4350, or visit the marathon web site at www.usafmarathon.com.