WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio -- Volunteers: take your mark, get set, and go get registered to be a part of the 25th Air Force Marathon beginning May 1.
Officials are in need of more than 2,400 volunteers this year, as the marathon continues to grow.
“After a year of reduced volunteer opportunities, we are excited to come back and offer our full range of volunteer positions during race week,” said Air Force Marathon volunteer coordinator, Rachel Nipper.
As in previous years, volunteer opportunities range from Health & Fitness Expo on Sept 16-17 to race day Sept 18, and even post-race on Sept 19.
The Green program is expanding and Green Team volunteers are needed to help divert as much landfill waste as possible by sorting out trash, recycling, and compost.
The marathon also welcomes team building opportunities for organizations or groups of 10 or more.
“Our volunteers, also known as the Flight Crew, consist of military members, dependents, civilians, runners, local high school groups, and more who come together to support our event,” Nipper said.
Volunteers are also needed to provide fun, entertainment, and motivation for runners on the course – they can be bands, solo acts, cheer teams, high school marching bands, DJ’s, and or anyone else looking to fill that role.
“We are so lucky to have such a diverse group of volunteers and we are looking forward to working side by side with them again for the 25th anniversary of our event,” Nipper said.
All volunteers will receive a complimentary Flight Crew T-shirt, refreshments at the expo and on race day, and invitations to the post-race After Party at the Greene and invitation volunteer reception.
Volunteer shifts vary depending on the position but most require a commitment of four hours or less and times range from early morning to evening.
Volunteers can register at www.usafmarathon.com/volunteer. Registration is open through Aug. 31, but sign up quickly to reserve a preferred role.
For more information, email usaf.marathon@us.af.mil or visit www.usafmarathon.com.