Putting on the Saskatchewan Marathon each year is no small feat — and the race weekend wouldn’t go ahead without the support of nearly 400 volunteers who set up the courses, distribute race packages, staff aid stations, hand out medals and clean up after the runners shuffle home.
Amy Wall, a former Saskatchewan Marathon participant, joined the race organizing committee a few years ago as a way to give back to an event that gave so much to her workplace — the Meewasin Valley Authority. She’s now the volunteer director and is looking for hundreds of volunteers to help out before and during the May 28-29 in-person race weekend.
There are many different volunteer opportunities and people have flexibility in terms of how much time they commit to the event. Everyone volunteering over the race weekend will receive training and orientation at a volunteer kickoff party on the evening of May 27 and a nifty souvenir T-shirt.
Not convinced yet? Here are some of the things Wall wants people to know about volunteering at Saskatchewan’s oldest road race.
There are opportunities to volunteer even if you’re racing
The Saskatchewan Marathon is offering a virtual event in tandem with its in-person event this year. That means volunteers can run virtually and volunteer at the live event or volunteer for the virtual event (for instance by helping mail out race packages) while running the live event. There is also a need for volunteers at the race expo on Saturday before the in-person races kick off Sunday morning.
It’s a chance to see how a race weekend is put together
“If you have ever wanted to see how courses are planned out or how everything is coordinated, it’s a really cool peek behind the curtain into how a marathon is run,” Wall says. For people interested in taking a more active role in organizing the event throughout the year, there are a couple openings on the volunteer committee. Those interested should email Wall at volunteer@saskmarathon.ca.
It’s always super motivating
Watching runners achieve big goals — and being in a position to help and celebrate that — is pretty cool. “Volunteering at an event like the marathon is such a great inspiration for your own health and fitness,” Wall says. “So many people are so happy to be there and it’s really a joyful event.”
It’s a good team-building exercise or family project
No need to sign up on your own. Lots of businesses, clubs and family groups sign up to volunteer together.
It’s a chance to meet new people
People who choose to give back to the running community are pretty great people. Between the volunteer kickoff party and volunteer duties there are lots of chances to connect with like-minded people who want to make their community a better place.
Safety precautions are top of mind
Masks are no longer mandatory in Saskatchewan and will not be required of volunteers or participants. However, the race committee encourages everyone to do what makes them most comfortable and if that means masking, do it! If you want to volunteer but are looking for a less public-facing role because of concerns around the virus, email Wall at volunteer@saskmarathon.ca.
For information about the various volunteer positions and to sign up to volunteer, go online.
