Volunteer FAQs

To help make the year’s race a successful and positive experience for everyone, we expect all volunteers to abide by the volunteer policies.

For questions about the 2024 event, we encourage you to visit the 2024 event FAQ’s.

General

What is the age requirement for volunteers?

The volunteer age minimum is 14 years old and accompanying children are not permitted. We require that all individual volunteers be 14 years of age or older on the day they are volunteering. A parent/guardian must agree to the volunteer waiver for volunteers between the ages of 14 and 18. Children and young adults under the age of 14 are not permitted to accompany registered volunteers who meet the age requirement when they are volunteering. The event has the right to set different age minimums for designated positions.

Are walk-up registrations accepted?

No, walk-up registrations are not accepted. All volunteers must register online before the deadline date indicated on the website or they will not be allowed to volunteer for the event.

What should I wear?

Volunteers are expected to dress in clothing appropriate for the work duties they have been assigned to perform. Always make sure to check the weather in advance! Wear closed toe shoes at all times and the current event attire logo hat, shirt or jacket, or shoes, if provided. When required, you must have visible appropriate and current event-issued credentials and/or ID vests and wristbands to be on the premises.

What is the volunteer uniform?

All volunteers receive their uniform at volunteer check-in. Volunteers receive a long sleeve t-shirt and credential. Race day volunteers receive a track jacket, hat and credential. The volunteer uniform should be worn as the outer layer and the volunteer credential should be visible at all times. While we appreciate the desire of volunteers to represent the organizations they are volunteering on behalf of, we ask that you do not alter the uniform or wear items representing anything other than the event. This includes wearing hats, pins or items that represent your organizations. Volunteers play a critical role in the participant experience and we want to ensure a consistent look across all areas of the event so participants are able to easily identify race volunteers and officials.

What should I bring?

Make sure to bring a valid photo ID for Volunteer Check-In. Students are allowed to use school IDs. It is strongly discouraged to bring any personal belongings to the event. Gear check will be required for belongings that cannot be carried in a volunteer’s pockets.

Is food provided?

Snacks and meals are provided depending upon the time of day and duration of the volunteer shift. While we try to provide a range of food items, we cannot guarantee that meals will accommodate all dietary restrictions.

Transportation and parking

We encourage volunteers to use public transportation when possible. Recommended transportation options and parking options (when available) will be provided in the confirmation email.

Registration

How do I register as a volunteer?

Access registration from a volunteer webpage. Opportunities are posted at blackstarmarathon.com/volunteer

Can I register for another volunteer?

Volunteers cannot register on behalf of another individual. Each volunteer will need to click ‘create a new account’ in order to register. Only one account can be created per email address.

How do I know if I am registered?

Upon registering, you will receive a confirmation email. Once you are registered, you will be able to view registered volunteer shifts on the dashboard of your volunteer portal.

What information can I access through my volunteer account?

- View details about your upcoming volunteer shifts

- Cancel your registration by clicking on the withdraw icon

Group leaders

For information on how to register as a volunteer group, please refer to the group leader application.

How do I get my volunteers to register?

Email the registration instructions from the assignment email that you received from the Volunteer Team. If you cannot find it, email info@blackstarmarathon.com for assistance.

How do I keep track of my group?

Within your volunteer portal, click on the “View” button under “Groups I am Leading”. This will bring you to group leader mode which allows you to see all of your registered volunteers.

I don’t think we will fill our shift. What should I do?

While group leaders are expected to recruit the number of volunteers they committed to bring, groups can still volunteer if they do not fill their shift. Notify the Volunteer Team at info@blackstarmarathon.com so they can plan accordingly.

When will my group receive more specific instructions?

- The Volunteer Team and/or your Aid Station Captain will communicate final information, including check-in location, parking and transportation options, preparation tips and more. All volunteer training takes place onsite.

- Group leaders are encouraged to follow up with their volunteers after receiving the official email to reiterate final details and share any instructions specific to your group.