Question about Volunteering at Races

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2004-09-05 3:27 PM

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Champion
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Fairport, NY
Subject: Question about Volunteering at Races
The local tri club is putting on an Oly distance race later this month. I'm not up to that distance yet, so I've volunteered and been given a choice of bike leg, run leg, or transition area. The only tri I've been to is the one I raced in August, so I don't really know what's involved in each.

So my question to the board is: What assignment would you take and why?

2004-09-05 3:59 PM
in reply to: #57940

Champion
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Subject: RE: Question about Volunteering at Races

I really appreciate the volunteers at the  water stations on the run.  It's late in the race, I'm the most tired, and it's when I'm really glad someone is there to hand me a cup of water or Gatorade.  But wherever you volunteer, you will be appreciated.  I try to make it a point to say thanks to as many volunteers as I can during a race.  Without them, the races would not happen, or would be nowhere as enjoyable.  Congrats on volunteering...you won't regret it one bit.  All the racers thank you, even if they don't come right out and say it!

2004-09-05 8:32 PM
in reply to: #57940

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Subject: RE: Question about Volunteering at Races
Take the run. The run is where most people suffer.
2004-09-05 9:13 PM
in reply to: #57940

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Extreme Veteran
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Manitoba, Canada
Subject: RE: Question about Volunteering at Races
That is great that you are going to do some volonteering with the tri's. I too make a point of calling out a "thank you" as I pass the volonteers - especially those directing the traffic on the biking portion of the road. I think they get some difficult drivers who are in a hurry and don't care to wait for us to clear the turns - can't be too fun for them.

For more selfish reasons, I think T1 would be the best place to be, imagine all the great bikes you can admire/ visually inspect while your waiting for people, and to see the transition tricks of the veterans

Where ever you end up though, it will be greatly appreciated and a good learning experience I'm sure. Good for you for volonteering.
2004-09-05 9:17 PM
in reply to: #57940

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Champion
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Beautiful Sonoma County
Subject: RE: Question about Volunteering at Races
I've volunteered at several of my BF's races. I like the aid stations on the run the most because you get to say something to almost every racer coming by. And I know that the run is the place where I'm hurting the most on my races and it's nice to hear a couple of nice words.

We wouldn't have races without volunteers. Remember to thank each and every one, including the traffic control officers.
2004-09-05 9:54 PM
in reply to: #57940

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Subject: RE: Question about Volunteering at Races
The bottom line....
Thank everyone who volenteers
but choose the Run because you will see the most suffering

2004-09-05 11:08 PM
in reply to: #57940

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Champion
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Beautiful Sonoma County
Subject: RE: Question about Volunteering at Races
I have also enjoyed volunteering at the food tent, because you can chat with the athletes after their race.

And of course, they always need people willing to stay after and help with clean up, or come early and help with set up.

And I hear body marking is fun! ;-)
2004-09-05 11:17 PM
in reply to: #57940

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Expert
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Torrington,CT
Subject: RE: Question about Volunteering at Races

I would like to work at the aid stations during the run.  I know I try to thank everyone as I go by, if I have enough breath!  They really are a help.

Another area that would be interesting is body marking or handing out the race numbers and timing chips.

Whatever you choose, have fun!

Evelyn

2004-09-05 11:55 PM
in reply to: #57940

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Central Louisiana
Subject: RE: Question about Volunteering at Races
I would suggest letting them use you wherever they need you most.  If it is on the run, then do it!  If it is sweeping the transition area the day before do it.   The race director will appreciate your willingness to help where needed.
2004-09-06 2:41 PM
in reply to: #57940

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Extreme Veteran
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Thunder Bay, Ontario
Subject: RE: Question about Volunteering at Races
volunteeing no matter where it is, is always appreciated.... hearing small whimpers of 'thank-you' as the people race by is gratifying. No matter where they put you, it is appreciated by all. But.... body marking is my fave !!!
2004-09-06 4:26 PM
in reply to: #57940

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Elite
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Tucson, AZ
Subject: RE: Question about Volunteering at Races
This sounds like fun. I'm hoping that I can volunteer at the Ironman AZ race. I figure it's the perfect way to watch and cheer on the racers, too!


2004-09-06 7:13 PM
in reply to: #57940

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Extreme Veteran
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Seattle, WA
Subject: RE: Question about Volunteering at Races
I volunteered for the Danskin here in Seattle in the transition area. It was really fun watching everyone switch gears and smile as they left for another leg of the race. I really really enjoyed it. Plus you get to see everyone twice, check out T1/T2 techniques that you can "borrow", and cheer everyone along when they need it (I got a lot of "I just swam 1/2 a mile and biked 13 miles...and NOW I have to run a 5K???!!!").

Just my 2 pence! :-)
2004-09-06 8:23 PM
in reply to: #57940

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Extreme Veteran
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Edmonton, Alberta
Subject: RE: Question about Volunteering at Races
I try to volunteer at least the same amount of races I race in.

I almost always end up on the road out in the middle of nowhere, I am going to have to think about that.

When I entered the 1/2 Iron race this year when I looked for my time I had a chuckle my name was Roy "FLAGMAN" Jackson..

It made me laugh, I said to the guy beside me whats with that.

I have gotten to know the race director of that race since and he mentioned that he had seen me volunteering and racing at many of the area races he thought I should get a knickname...

I thought that was cool.

So have fun and know that where ever you end up on race day that you are needed after all if there are no volunteers there will be no race, that is the fact.

Oh yea, "THANK YOU" for showing up.

Roy

Edited by royj 2004-09-06 8:23 PM
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