Volunteering and Spectating At My First Race!

Back in October, I found out about a half marathon that would run right past my neighborhood and knew that I wanted to go out and support the runners.  But then I thought to take it one step further and volunteer.  I contacted the race director and helped out with packet pick up at Big Peach Running.

Ramona had a few friends who were also running the race, so she and her boyfriend decided to join me in spectating.  I decided to make us a couple of signs to hold up as they ran by -

Saturday morning I got up pretty early and headed out to set our chairs up.  The half marathon was starting first, followed by the 5k.  We saw lots of great costumes!

While we waited for the half marathons to pass us again on their way to the finish line, we chatted and goofed off. 

I loved the first couple of half marathoners costumes – a guy from Reno 911 and none other than Forrest Gump -

We had some Skittles and Twizzlers for any runner that wanted them for an extra little sugar rush.  Once we saw the last runner pass, we jumped in my car and headed down to the finish line.

I had a great time volunteering and spectating and am looking forward to doing it again.  Next year, I’m hoping to get more people in my neighborhood involved to give the runners more support.

Have you volunteered and/or spectated a race before?  Which do you prefer?

Until next time,