Volunteers
Our road races are made for the people and run by the people. We take pride in working with some of the greatest individual and volunteer groups in the world. If you are interested in supporting thousands of runners and walkers at 13.1 Marathon® Chicago, send us an email with your name, phone number and what you might be interested in helping with. Here are some of the things we could use help with: water stations (groups of 10 or more), start line support, finish line support, course marshals, registration and packet pick-up support, logistics and set-up (these are the people who get to lift and move things and work at night!)
If you are interested in volunteering for this event or any others, please email us at mark@firecrackerconsultingllc.com, call us at (800) 596-5990 or SIGN UP NOW.
2011 Volunteer Opportunities
Packet Pick-Up / Expo
Location: Fleet Feet Sport – Piper’s Alley (1620 North Wells Street)
Packet Pick-Up
Thursday, June 2 – times TBD
Friday, June 3 – times TBD
Be a part of the anticipation and excitement before the big race! Athletes pick up their event information and race bib numbers so they are ready for race day. Duties include passing out race packets and t-shirts to participants, providing race information and assisting in directing people as they visit Fleet Feet in Piper’s Alley. Some lifting may be required.
Support needed: 20 volunteers per shift
Race Day
Saturday, June 4
Location: All opportunities below are at the South Shore Cultural Center
(7059 S. South Shore Drive) unless otherwise noted
Transportation
Location: Various hotels and points of interest in the City and South Shore Cultural Center
5:00 am - 12:00 pm
Help get the participants on their buses in an orderly fashion and ensure they make it to the start line of the race. Duties include loading buses with the appropriate number of people and getting them off to ensure participants get to the start line on time.
Support needed: 30 volunteers
Start Line
5:30 am - 8:00 am
Help prepare the starting line for all the participants, then help them get properly placed in their respective wave start for the race. Duties include some light set-up of the start line and then assisting participants in the proper area for the race. After your duty is complete here you will move to the food distribution area to assist.
Support needed: 60 volunteers
Gear Check
5:30 am -12:00 pm
Assist participants by keeping everything from bags to bikes as participants go out and enjoy the event with you as a smiling face to connect with them after. Duties include labeling and organizing participants belongings so that they are ready for quick pick-up at the end of the race.
Support needed: 40 volunteers
Aid Stations
Location: Various points along the race course
6:00 am – various
Provide water and more importantly support to the participants as they make their way along the course. Duties include set up of station with tables and layers of cups to start. Once participants start to pass restocking and encouraging them and finally cleaning to help the City of Chicago.
Support needed: 10-25 volunteers
Finish Line
6:00 am –12:00 pm
Be the first to celebrate with the many runners and walkers as they come across the finish line. Duties will include passing out bottled water, medals and food and ensuring participants keep moving to the exits and getting their photo snapped along the way.
Support needed: 70 volunteers
Ask-Me Assistants
6:00 am – 12:00 pm
Provide information to all guests so they know how to navigate the various areas of the race and ensuring they know their next step. Duties include reviewing the event materials before the race to ensure you can direct everyone properly.
Support needed: 10 volunteers
Course Marshals
Location: Various points along the race course
6:00 am - 11:00 am
Direct participants along the route to ensure they go the proper way while encouraging them along the way. Duties include having a proper understanding of the course and ensuring safety.
Support needed: 40 volunteers
Results Tent
7:00 am – 12:00pm
Assist with finding finishing times for the participants and others. Duties include a comfort level with computers and good customer service for the participants.
Support needed: 10 volunteers
Back of the Pack
Location: Various points along the race course
6:30 am – 11:00 am
Motivate the participants to help them keep the 16 minute per mile pace for the race to close the course on-time. Duties include ensuring no participant is left behind but also ensuring the time limit is met. This duty balances a sense of customer service with being forceful to the rules of the race.
Support needed: 10 volunteers
SIGN UP NOW to Volunteer!
