Race volunteers are both valued and violated

Runners tend to be doers, go-getters, and people of action. Many of us enjoy getting together with other runners and hanging out at running events. Naturally, that leads lots of us to pitch in at races and runs, volunteering individually or with running clubs or teams to which we belong.

Plus, we like earning free race entries, which often are part of the bargain.

Like countless runners, I have volunteered to help with runner check-ins, gear checks, mileage pacing, water stops, back-of-pack race sweeping, event publicity and even cleanup. When I’ve volunteered with friends, it’s been extra enjoyable.

Once in a while, race volunteering backfires.

Within the past month or so, this has happened a few times. Maybe you’ve run into similar mishaps.

• A race organizer put out a plea on social media, asking for race-day volunteers. I signed up to help. I got up very early on a weekend morning and drove 30 minutes to the event venue in the pouring rain, put on a poncho, and trekked across a sloppy field to the start area. There, I found the race director, who informed me that things were pretty well covered and there was nothing for me to do.

• A race management company advertised for event volunteers. My race team assembled a group of folks to do back-of-pack race sweeping. The race organizer emailed all of us, promising to send us the volunteer registration link, as soon as it went live. The deadline apparently came and went, and we received no such notice. A month ahead of race day, we contacted this professional, only to find this volunteer option was already filled.

• Receiving a group invitation to run as mileage pacers for an area half marathon two-race series, I volunteered eagerly with a couple of friends. The emailed instructions indicated that those who completed both races would receive finishers’ medals and a series medal. At the end of the second race, on-site volunteers informed us that volunteers would have to contact the race director afterwards to obtain the series medals (although all the regular runners received them on the spot). The race director never responded, even though all of us sent her multiple emails in subsequent months.

I’m not giving up on race volunteering.

But, as you might imagine, I will steer clear of these three outfits and aim my best efforts at other organizations.

Race volunteers often receive benefits for pitching in. These might include free event tee shirts, caps, or other apparel. They might get race swag and discounted or free entries to a future race or two. Even with these perks, volunteers are not likely to re-up, if they are not treated with basic courtesy and respect.

Images:

Public domain artwork

Feel free to follow on GooglePlus and Twitter. Please visit my Amazon author page as well. And I am happy to share my RUNDERDOG ambassador code for 10% off on Bondi Band Athletic Headbands, Accessories, and Fashions. (Simply enter the code at online checkout.).