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Frequently Asked Questions
Is there an age requirement to volunteer?
No. We don't enforce an age requirement, but do ask that all volunteers be able to effectively communicate with athletes & other volunteers, as well as perform common tasks such as: direct athletes to go a certain way, hand out cups of water, check numbers are in the correct order, etc.
If you would like your youngster to stay near the S/F, be partnered with an adult, or if they require special attention, please indicate that on the sign-up form in the addt'l notes field.
When do I arrive? When can I leave?
Arrival times vary based on which area of the course you are assigned to. Refer to the table below for arrival times for each area.
When you can leave also depends on which area you are assigned to. Generally, you can expect a 5-hour time commitment. Sprint race finish around 11am, Olympics at 2pm, and the half ends at 4pm. The race timeline is posted on each race, click calendar, then the race you are helping with, then view the timeline under race details. Community sheets can be signed by the volunteer coordinator or someone on staff with RMS in a red shirt.
I have to leave early. Can I still volunteer?
Yes, absolutely. Please indicate the time you need to leave by in the addt'l notes field. Do not choose to be on the bike or run course, as these volunteers will be asked to stay later. The transition area would be a good spot for you, or you can help with packet pickup the day before the race.
Will you have breakfast for me? Coffee?
We will have coffee from Einstein's and bagels for volunteers and Clifbars for you to take to your area, and post race food.
What should I bring?
- Sunscreen
- Hat (to block the sun)
- Bug spray (if near the woods, in a park, or by the river)
- Comfortable clothes & sneakers (you will be on your feet for several hours)
- Extra snack and/or drink (water & Clif bars will be provided for you)
- A map of your course (we have separate maps for swim, bike, run & transition)
- A big smile & lots of positive energy
Do I get community service hours? Or money for my school/organization?
Yes & yes. If you have a service sheet that needs signed, please bring it with you. The volunteer coordinator can sign it, or the course captain for your area.
We also donate $10/person for schools & non-profit groups. If you provide 20 or more volunteers, an extra $100 will be donated. Please indicate your school/organization when you sign-up.
Note: For schools, $10 is given for students & athletic team coaches only. Parents are not included. For organizations, the volunteer must be an official member of that organization.
Roles & Responsibilities
| Announcer |
1hr 30min before race start |
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| Awards |
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We usually only need 1 person to help us setup the awards table. We typically ask someone in the transition area to help us with this, about 30 minutes before the last racer finishes.
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| Bike Course Marshall |
1hr before race start |
Direct bikers where to turn & encourage them as they pass by. You might also be responsible for asking cars in local neighborhoods to turn around, or wait for an opening before driving onto the course.
*Must have transportation to drive to a location on the bike course (up to 8 miles away).
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| Food Table |
Same as transition area |
We usually only need 1-2 volunteers for the food table. You'll be cutting oranges, helping setup pizza boxes, grabbing extra napkins, refilling water jugs, etc. |
| Green Team |
Same as transition area |
Help educate racers where to dispose of various waste, recyclables & compostables. You will be assigned to a station around the transition area to help athletes place materials in the correct containers. |
| Jetskier |
1hr before race start |
Jetskiers spread out on the water & keep an eye on the swimmers. They are there to help ensure a safe swim.
* You must supply your own jetski & PFD.
* This position is only needed for open water races (I Love The Tavern, Rockett's Landing & Naylor's Beach)
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| Kayaker |
1hr before race start |
Kayakers spread out on the water & keep an eye on the swimmers. They are there to help ensure a safe swim.
* You must supply your own kayak & PFD.
* This position is only needed for open water races (I Love The Tavern, Rockett's Landing & Naylor's Beach)
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| Lifeguard |
1 hr before race start |
Lifeguards will either remain on shore, near the start & finish areas, or be paired with a kayaker out on the water.
Please bring a whistle & rescue tube, if you have them.
* This position is only needed for open water races (I Love The Tavern, Rockett's Landing & Naylor's Beach)
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| Motorcycle Marshal |
45min before race start |
There are typically 2 motorcycle marshals for each race:
1. Someone to ride with the USAT official around the course. Your bike must have the capacity to carry one passenger. You will loop the course several times, and go wherever the USAT official asks you to.
2. Someone to ride out front of the first biker. You can use any bike for this. You must be familiar with the course, and all you do is escort the first biker through the course. Once they return to the transition area, you are finished. |
| Paddleboarder |
1hr before race start |
Paddleboarders typically lead out each swim wave for our open water swims. Once the last swimmer is out of the water, you are free to go.
* You must supply your own paddleboard & PFD.
* This position is only needed for open water races (I Love The Tavern, Rockett's Landing & Naylor's Beach)
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| Parking |
1hr 45min before race start |
You will direct athletes (and spectators) where to park, and where not to park. If the race is held at a local fitness club or YMCA, you might also help with directing members where to park.
This position is best served by people who are comfortable saying, "No," and not afraid of confrontation.
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| Post-race Tear Down |
3-4 hr after race start |
We usually need more help with the race itself, but if you would like to arrive later & help with tear-down, that'd be great.
You can expect to be taking apart bike racks, moving boxes, coolers, pulling down fencing, etc.
We usually need more help on Sunday with the race itself, but if you would like to help out & can only make it on Saturday, we could use an extra hand with setup.
You might be marking courses, painting lines, lifting bike racks, setting up fencing, moving boxes, filling coolers, or a variety of other tasks.
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| Race Day Registration |
1hr 45min before race start |
We typically only need 1 volunteer for this slot. For those athletes signing up race morning, you'll help get them everything they need.
This position works with one or more members of the RMS race staff.
Once the race begins, you will be asked to help out with other things around the transition area.
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| Run Course Marshal |
30min before race start |
You will be given flags & assigned to a specific area on the run course. You will cheer on the athletes & direct them where to go. You might also be responsible for asking cars in local neighborhoods to turn around, or wait for an opening before driving onto the course.
*For longer races (Rockett's Landing & Naylor's Beach), transportation is recommended. Parts of those run courses can be a few miles from the start/finish area.
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| Swim Course Marshal |
1hr before race start |
For indoor pool swims, you will help keep racers lined up in the correct order. You might also be asked to spray off dirty feet before entering the pool or assist with race timing.
*If you have a kayak, jetski or lifeguarding skills, please select those specific options for open water swims.
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| Transition Area |
1hr 45min before race start |
This position requires many volunteers to fill a variety of positions. Hand out water, body markings, chip handout, directional assistance, bike mount/dismount, post-race bike removal, spectator control, etc.
Please be flexible as you may be moved around to help out with various tasks throughout the morning.
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| Water Stops |
30min before race start |
There are anywhere from 1-3 water stops out on the run course. You will be responsible for filling up cups & handing out water and sports drink to the athletes as they run by.
*Transportation is recommended. For most races, the water stops can be a mile or two from the start/finish area.
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| Saturday Equipment Setup |
Anywhere from 12-5pm |
We usually need more help on Sunday with the race itself, but if you would like to help out & can only make it on Saturday, we could use an extra hand with setup.
You might be marking courses, painting lines, lifting bike racks, setting up fencing, moving boxes, filling coolers, or a variety of other tasks.
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| Saturday Packet Pickup |
Anywhere from 9am - 5pm |
Packet pickup occurs the day before the race, anywhere from 9am - 5pm. Usually we have a 4-5 hour window where racers can pickup their packet.
You'll assist with table setup, gathering materials, answering questions & providing information for athletes.
This position works with one or more members of the RMS race staff.
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| Wherever I'm Needed |
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If you have no preference or time constraints, feel free to select this option. We can use your help wherever we need it most on race day. |