THE Yorkshire Marathon is made possible by the huge amount of generous volunteers who give their time and effort to help make sure everything runs smoothly.
About 6,100 runners are taking part this year, and getting such a large number of people from start to finish requires a lot of organisation.
Volunteers are needed to help at the start and finish of the marathon and at the race office, and route marshalls, drink station marshalls and baggage store marshalls are vital in ensuring the event goes as planned.
An enthusiastic and proactive attitude is essential as well as good communications skills and being able to work as part of a team. Volunteering at a marathon is a great way to meet new people and do something to help local or national charities, as well as those doing the running!
A full briefing is given to volunteers two weeks before the event, to let them know their role and what to do. Senior marshalls are responsible for giving volunteers any relevant training on the morning of the marathon, as well as any further specific information or health and safety training.
The Yorkshire Marathon Team does its best to place friends and families together where possible, so people can volunteer with friends and work alongside them on the day.
All volunteers at the Yorkshire Marathon will receive an electronic certificate of appreciation after the event, as well as a reward and recognition document as part of the “Eventeers” volunteer scheme.
The Eventeers scheme aims to give recognition to people who give their time to support charity events by volunteering.
Volunteering at events like the Yorkshire Marathon can count as accreditation towards qualifications such as the Duke of Edinburgh Award.
Anyone aged 16 or over can volunteer, and 14 and 15 year-olds can volunteer with a supervising parent or guardian. You can volunteer by registering online at theyorkshiremarathon.com/volunteers
For more information on volunteering at the Yorkshire Marathon phone: 0113 8267767, email: eventeers@theyorkshiremarathon.com or tweet: @RunYorkshire
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