VOLUNTEER

We need your help! It takes more than 1,500 Volunteers to make this event happen!

Join Us!

Be a part of the Greater Kalamazoo/Portage area’s largest celebration of good health!

Receive a volunteer t-shirt and the satisfaction of helping others, and have a good time doing it!

 

Here are the descriptions of volunteer opportunities for the Borgess Run/Kalamazoo Marathon. Once you’ve identified the dates and areas you’d like to volunteer for, please fill out the form below.

To register a group to volunteer, please complete one volunteer form filling in the group information with one primary contact. Use the “Notes” space to let us know what task your group is interested in helping with.

If you have any questions, please contact Cheryl Pickett at clpickett@gmail.com

Group Volunteer Opportunities

 

Loading Trucks: Volunteer group would help load the trucks for the course. Every Gu, water jug, table and cup gets loaded on a truck to be distributed on the course. This is some heavy lifting. (3-6 people)

Course Sign Distribution: Anytime Saturday. Group goes onto course and sets up motivational and essential signs for the runners (2-3 people)

Individual Volunteer Opportunities

Pre-Race Help – (weeks leading up to race)

Sorting t-shirts and organizing signage and course giveaways are big jobs, but the group work makes it fun and social. These tasks are usually done Monday through Friday during work hours.

Friday Activities – May 1

The Kids Expo 3:30 – 5:30 pm | The Kids Fun Run starts at 6:00 pm | The Motivational Mile starts at 6:05 pm.

Volunteers help with Fun Run registration and packet pick-up, assist with the Kids Expo, staff the information booth, set up the course, organize runners by age group before the run, supervise the course during the race, hand out awards to finishers, man recycle pods, and/or clean up after the event.

Saturday Activities – May 2

Expo: The Run Expo, location TBS, takes place from 11 am – 6 pm. Volunteers help set-up and work in shifts throughout the day. Duties include packet pickup or helping with Expo needs.

Race Site Set up: Volunteers help set up race site on Saturday.

Information: Volunteers are provided with FAQs are are available for runners who have questions.

SUNDAY Activities AT RACE SITE– May 3

Parking/Shuttles: One of the main goals of the event is to make the day logistically excellent. That means PARKING has to run smoothly. Volunteers help direct participants. Plan to arrive at 6 am.  Great group opportunity.  Volunteers to help with shuttles and crosswalks all day.

Packet Pick-up: Volunteers help runners pick up numbers and t-shirts. Plan to work from 6 until 9 am.

Gear check: Volunteers collect gear from runners, label it, and return it after the race. Plan to arrive at 6 am. Volunteers are needed throughout the morning.

Finish line:  Volunteers are needed to back up the electronic timing system and welcome finishers by name.

Tent City: Volunteers are needed to work at the Food and Beer Tents during the morning and early afternoon. Volunteers are also needed to help throughout Tent City (sponsor tent, distributing pickles, selling shirts, etc.).

Site Clean Up: Volunteers are needed to take down signage & finish line structure, and clean up trash from 2 – 5 pm.

Information: Volunteers are provided with FAQs are are available for runners who have questions.

SUNDAY Activities ON THE COURSE – May 3

Course Volunteers

Aid Stations: The course offers 18 aid stations giving water, Gu, and/or Gu Brew to participants. (Group Opportunity Only)
Monitors: Volunteers will direct participants at key intersections, keep people on track and maintain order.

Entertainment and Excitement Volunteers

Portage Trail Crew:  Individuals and/or groups to help participants find their way and have a great time on the Portage Trail System.

Music: Individuals or bands spur the runners along. Tarps and tents will be provided in case of inclement weather.

Spirit Stations: Brainstorm with us ways to make your group a unique spirit station. It’s fun for the runners; it’s fun for you! (Group Opportunity Only)