News>Air Force Marathon officials seek 2,000 volunteers
Photos
Volunteers hand out cups of water to runners in the 2009 Air Force Marathon. Marathon officials estimate 2,000 volunteers will be needed to support the three-day event this year. (U.S. Air Force photo/Al Bright)
5/1/2012 - WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio (AFNS) -- Air Force Marathon officials are looking for more than 2,000 volunteers to help host the 16th annual event Sept. 15., and volunteer registration is now officially open.
"We couldn't have this marathon without the support of the volunteers," said Jeanette Monaghan, a volunteer coordinator. "We'll have at least 30,000 people visit the sports and fitness expo on Sept. 13 and 14, and that part alone takes a huge amount of volunteers."
Monaghan also encourages groups to register.
"Whether it's a business, a civic group or even a student group, volunteering creates great team-building opportunities," she said. "It's also a good way for organizations to get exposure to the public, because they can wear their own logo apparel or even bring a sign to their shift."
In addition to the volunteer positions at the expo, there will also be spots to fill on race day at the Air Force Museum and at the 5K event at Wright State University. Bands are also needed to provide entertainment for the runners along the course on race day. All of the positions are listed on the marathon's website at www.usafmarathon.com, and volunteers can register online.
"The Air Force Marathon is such a fun event that a lot of our volunteers come back every year," said Monaghan. "We even have runners who love the race so much that they come to town early just to volunteer at the Expo since they can't help out on race day."
All volunteers receive a free Air Force Marathon T-shirt. For more information or to register, visit www.usafmarathon.com.
