Raleigh Get Your Rear in Gear 5K Run/Walk


Race Day Volunteer Frequently Asked Questions


Come out and volunteer for a Get Your Rear in Gear race near you!  You’ll meet great people and have fun while making a difference. Thanks for your interest — without the participation of great volunteers like you, our events would not be possible.

Q. How do I sign up?

A.  Email the Event Director in the race city you'd like to volunteer.

Just click on the event city, look for “Get Involved”, and click on the Event Director's email link.


Q. What kinds of things can I do as a race day volunteer?

A. You can set-up the race course and venue, register participants, hand-out T-shirts, man the food tent and water station, keep runners on track and cheer them on as race course monitors, just to name just a few.

 
Q. Can I volunteer with a friend, group, or workmates?

A. Yes we welcome groups of all shapes and sizes. Friends, local shops, corporations, school groups, sororities/fraternities, Rotary and Lions clubs, track teams, and running clubs have all volunteered at our events and added loads of fun and spirit. Just let the Event Director know the approximate size of your group.


Q. What's the time commitment for race day volunteers?
A: Race day volunteers check-in about 2 hours ahead of the race start, and wrap-up shortly after the race finish and awards presentation.


Q. What do I need to bring?

A. We'll give you a volunteer T-shirt, bring your enthusiasm (and comfortable shoes!).


Q. Can I receive credit for my school’s community service program.
A. Yes, bring your school document for sign-off following the race.


Q. Are there any requirements to volunteer?

A. We ask that kids under 14 volunteer with a parent or supervising adult.

 
Q. Can my company volunteer?

A. Yes. Lots of companies actively support employee volunteerism through community outreach, employee volunteer, and matching funds programs, as well as corporate teams. Check with yours.


Q. Can I stop by and volunteer on race day?

A. Sure. As the event unfolds, we may need help handing out medals or cheering-on participants. Just stop by the Volunteer Check-in or Information Booth.


Q. Can I volunteer before race day?

A. Yes, check about helping at packet pick-up in the days leading up to the race. You can also help publicize the event (see below). And we welcome involvement with community outreach, survivorship, event sponsorships, as well as your suggestions. Just mention your interest and availability to the Event Director.

 
Q. How can I volunteer and help publicize the race?

A. We'd love your help. Whether it's five minutes or a few hours, here's what you can do:

  • Announce it on your Facebook and Twitter page
  • Post it to your favorite blog, online community and running club calendars, and Foursquare
  • Email event details and tell your story to your neighborhood, association, and company newsletters
  • Drop-off brochures at work, school, and neighborhood shops
  • Blog, or write an article for your neighborhood, community, and school paper
  • Post pics live from the event to Facebook, Twitter and YouTube
  • Tell your story to our blog and to the media

    Contact the Event Director to coordinate event brochure pick-up, and/or help with telling your story to Get Your Rear in Gear's blog and your local media.  


Q. Can I volunteer to help with media relations?

A. Yes, there's lots of opportunity for media pros who want to make a difference, as well as  PR/publicity/journalism students, and moms rejoining the workforce interested in hands-on experience writing stories and pitching the media. Contact the local event director for more.


Q. How can I get involved as a vendor or sponsor?

A. We'd love to hear from you. Please contact the event director in the event city you'd like to participate.


Q. Do you need help organizing the race? 

A. All events are run 100% by volunteers. In each city, a committee of passionate people plans, publicizes and runs each event. If you have special skills that would benefit the committee, or a passion for the cause, please contact the event director to see how your skills can be best put to use. Just click on the event city, and look for the Event Director contact under “Get Involved”.

 
Other Opportunities

The national office of Get Your Rear in Gear is currently looking for volunteers with knowledge of web design and technology.  If you have skills in these areas please contact us.