***************************************************************************************************
- All volunteers, regardless of age are required to submit the 5K Volunteer Application.
- Background checks are required for people 18 or older.
- Group leads and new volunteers are highly encouraged to attend the walkthrough the weekend before the race.
***************************************************************************************************
Please note, on race day, Padre Drive from just south of the VFW hall/parking lot to SW Military Drive will be fully closed by 8:30am. Road closures will begin at 8:15am. Cars exiting onto Padre Drive from SW Military after 8:15am will still be able to access Mission County Park but will be rerouted to VFW Blvd. Please plan to arrive at the park before 8:15am. There is a train crossing along Presa and traffic tends to form along VFW Blvd.
***************************************************************************************************
VOLUNTEER DESCRIPTIONS AND CHECK-IN TIMES
Check-in time: 8:00 am
Shift ends: Approximately 10:30 am
The Back Pack functions as what is known as the sweep, a group that acts as the tail end of a race. This group will follow the last wave out at the start, and be the very last 5K participants to cross the finish line. As such, they will be responsible for: towing the small wagon with water, ice packs, and first aid kit, ensuring all other 5K participants are also safely making their way to the finish line, cheering on the 5K participants they are following, and informing the Turnaround & Water Stop teams that they can break down their area and make their way back to Race Village.
Check-in time: 8:00 am
Shift ends: Approximately 10:30 am
Bike Marshals ensure the safety of the runners by leading them out to the race course, letting runners know of any obstacles such as potholes and curbs, controlling runner traffic, and alerting first aid of runners in need of medical assistance. Bike marshals will also cheer on runners and provide encouragement.
Check-in time: 7:45 am
Shift ends: When the last person crosses the finish line (approximately 10:15 am).
Finish Line volunteers have several responsibilities: 1) Set up and distribute post-race food and water to race participants; 2) Ensure the safety of runners and observers by keeping the race chute clear; 3) Clean up Finish Line area once the race has finished.
Check-in time: 8:00 am, to be at the turnaround when the race begins at 9:00 am.
Shift ends: When the Back Pack comes by with the final runners (approximately 10:15 am).
Midway/Turnaround volunteers have TWO important duties: Ensure 5k race participants stay safely on course at the turnaround point and keep participants motivated and moving. You can make and bring your own inspirational poster boards, paint your faces, or dress up as your favorite superhero.
Check-in time: 6:00 am
Shift ends: Roughly 10:00 am
Your role is to ensure everyone is safe by directing traffic, parking cars safely and tightly in the parking areas, and guiding guests to designated parking areas- Race Village, VFW, Mission County Park #2, and Midway Turnaround. Volunteers with experience in this role would be highly appreciated.
- Photography/Selfie Station:
Check-in time: 7:00 am
Shift ends: 10:00 am
Your role is to set up the photo station in the Main Pavilion, and then monitor the lines and the props as people stand in line to get their picture taken by our photographers.
Check-in time: 7:30 am, to be fully set up at the stop when the race begins at 9:00 am.
Shift ends: When the Back Pack comes by with the final runners (approximately 10:15 am).
This team is responsible for making sure thirsty runners are hydrated! Your role will be to set up the materials at the water stop, fill water cups in preparation for runners, distribute them as needed, clean up the area and trail around the stop, and tear the materials down. We need volunteers to continuously fill cups with water and hand them out to race participants.
Check-in time: 8:00 am, with time for dispersal along the route, to line the full 1.5 miles along the out-and-back route.
Shift ends: After final runners finish (approximately 10:15 am).
As a Race Route Champion, YOU are the cheerleader for our 5k participants. Your goal is to create an ultra-positive, motivating, and special experience for everyone running or walking the 5K. Race Route Champions are encouraged to create inspiring, family friendly posters, special cheers, dress in a theme (disco, superhero, Fiesta, etc.), or play music (age-appropriate please) on your own Bluetooth speaker. A 5K can feel like a marathon for first-time participants, so we like to line hte route with friendly faces along the way. You can be the reason someone made it across the finish line.
Check-in time: 5:30 am
Shift ends: Approximately 8:00 am
The set-up crew is key to getting the event off to a smooth start. Activities include unloading the U-Haul, setting up tents and other materials in the Star Power Zone, organizing booths and team tables, and hanging signs. After set-up, volunteers can help direct race participants and families around the area and answer questions. This is a great way to get those volunteer hours early so you can enjoy the festival, and even take part in the 5K!
Check-in time: 7:00 am
Shift ends: Approximately 10:00 am
This is where everyone can get ready to celebrate the day! Areas within the Zone include Hair Stop, Cheer Gear, Face Painting, Bling Your Bib, Arts & Crafts, and more. Zone opens at 7:30 am and may remain open until the medal ceremony, when tear down of your station begins.
Check-in time: 7:30 am
Shift ends: When event ends, roughly 10:45 am
Your role will help monitor recycling and trash containers, monitor bathroom cleanliness, and ensure the park and race route are kept clean & litter-free during the event. Volunteer areas: race village and main parking area.
Check-in time: 10:00 am
Shift ends: Approximately 12:00 pm
The tear-down crew disassembles bistro tables, packs up boxes, takes down flyers/posters, loads the U-Haul, and then follows the U-Haul and staff to the GOTRBC storage facility and GOTRBC office, where they help unload the materials and celebrate with the GOTRBC staff and committee.
Check-in time: 6:30 am
Shift ends: Approximately 10:00 am
The Activities include signing in volunteers, directing them to their designated areas, distributing volunteer shirts to registered volunteers, ensuring there is water in the 5-gallong jugs stationed around the race village area, running materials and supplies as needed, and more.
- Welcome, VIP, & Vendor Check-in:
Check-in time: 6:30 am
Shift ends: Approximately 10:00 am
Activities include guiding vendors to their area and helping them set up; ensuring our VIPs find their way and receive their thank-you bag; answer questions and direct people around the village.