The Impact of Volunteering at Ultramarathons — and Why YOU Should Do It

I've been running Ultras since 2017 , and I have taken on and finished numerous Ultra distances , all the way up through 220 miles , and I am unashamedly a member of the back of the pack , just like many of you are . This episode , we're going to shift gears a little bit away from running to something equally as important , and that is volunteering . So if you've

ever crossed a finish line of an ultra race , if you've ever fueled up at an aid station , or you've ever had to navigate a tricky trail section and follow markers , you'll know just how crucial volunteers are to the success of any ultra race .

Volunteering at an ultra is a fantastic way to give back to the community , to connect with fellow runners and to experience the energy of a race from a completely different perspective . So in this episode , we'll explore why volunteering is such a great choice , what you can expect from the experience and how you can

potentially make the most of it . I'll also try to share some personal volunteering stories and highlights that show just how rewarding volunteering can be . Are you ready to go ? Let's dive in . Discover raw , inspiring stories from runners who've been right where you are . This is the Choose to Endure Ultra Running Podcast With your host .

He's English , not Australian Richard Gleave . Okay , let's start with the why . Why should you consider volunteering at a race , especially if and when you're not actually running ? Well , firstly , giving back to the community Ultra running the races . They rely on volunteers .

Without them , aid stations wouldn't run smoothly , people couldn't pick up their packets , trails wouldn't be marked and runners wouldn't be getting the support they need during the race . Volunteering is your chance to be a part of the team that makes the magic happen . Also , volunteering is a really great way to meet fellow runners .

You can meet race directors and other really cool members of the ultra running community . The friendships and connections you can make I promise you will last long after the race is over .

The other cool thing about volunteering that I found really helpful , especially early on if you're new to ultras or considering tackling a longer distance or a different style of racing , volunteering is a fantastic way to see how these races work behind the scenes and get inspired by the runners that you meet who are taking them on .

The first time I volunteered was at an aid station during a 50 mile race , and I distinctly remember watching those runners come through . It was pretty cold down at Brazos Bend . Seeing the determination , the exhaustion and their gratitude , despite being caked in mud and shivering , was really , really inspiring .

It reminded me why this sport was so awesome , and it gave me a completely new appreciation for everybody out there who makes these races possible . So , now that we've talked about why volunteering is a really awesome choice , let's discuss what you might expect . So there's a number of roles that you can generally fill as a volunteer

. You really could be doing anything , but most of the time it'll be along the lines of checking runners in at the start line , maybe handing out food at an aid station , sweeping the course after the last runner . There's a whole bunch of other roles , but each one of them is important , and they all contribute to the race's success .

It does , though , mean there's potential for long hours , but those come with big rewards . Volunteering , especially for shifts that are less popular , often means early mornings , late nights , and sometimes both , but the energy of the runners and the camaraderie of your fellow volunteers , I promise you , is going to make it all worthwhile . Races are dynamic .

Things don't always go according to plan , so teamwork and flexibility are key . As a volunteer , too , make sure , if you are volunteering , that you are ready and able and willing , in some instances , to jump in really wherever you're needed , whether that's organizing or reorganizing drop bags , filling water bottles , whatever it might be .

Just make sure you're there and ready to jump in . During one race , I signed up to help with packet pickup , but I ended up spending most of the day at an aid station because they were just short on volunteers . They didn't have anyone to cover that shift , so I offered to go out .

They drove me out to the aid station , and I stood there and watched the last of the runners come through . It was pretty uplifting , I have to say . It wasn't what I expected to happen that day , but it turned out to be one of the most rewarding experiences that I've had . Being a volunteer , though , isn't just about showing up .

It's about contributing to the best of your ability . So here are some tips to ensure that you stay a valuable member of the team . Firstly , be reliable . If you sign up to volunteer , make sure you show up for your shift , show up on time and be ready to work , whatever that work happens to be . Race directors and runners really depend on you .

Secondly , bring that positive attitude that I know you've got . Your energy and your enthusiasm really make a big difference , especially for tired runners who need a boost . There's nothing worse than a grim volunteer . Be lively , be encouraging . That's what these runners need to hear .

Also , if you can try to anticipate runners' needs , if you're at an aid station , pay attention to what runners might need

or might look like they need , before they ask for it . Usually it's about refilling bottles , so start there but then move on to handing snacks , offering a chair . Do they need medical attention ? How are their feet going ? Whatever it is , any acts of kindness even telling them they look great lie through your teeth .

Any acts of small kindness can go a long way . And if you're unsure about something as a volunteer , make sure you ask a question . Don't hesitate to ask the race director or even other volunteers or your aid station captain . Everybody is working towards the same goal . Everybody wants to help the runners and wants to help the race go smoothly .

Everybody wants a successful race , so make sure and feel free to ask questions . At one race I noticed a runner struggling with a hydration pack at an aid station , so naturally I offered to help . I refilled their pack , made sure they had electrolytes before they left some salt tabs .

That was really all they needed and later , at the end of the race , they came back to thank me and said that small moment was definitely a push they needed and gave them the energy to get to the finish .

It was a really small thing and I thought nothing of it , but apparently it mattered to that individual and it was a reminder to me that even the smallest actions can have a big impact on somebody's race . It just depends where they are and their mindset . So never discount the small actions . And finally , let's talk about what you'll gain from volunteering .

Firstly , inspiration . Watching runners push through challenges is incredibly motivating . I promise you you'll leave that race inspired to tackle your own goals or a new distance or a new style of ultra race . Volunteering also helps you feel a lot more connected to the ultra running world .

You're going to meet people who share your passion and you're going to build relationships that go well beyond the race . It also helps your race perspective . Seeing events from the volunteer side is going to give you a new appreciation for what goes into these events , what it is it takes to make them happen .

It definitely makes you a better runner , it makes you a more considerate runner and it probably

makes you a more grateful participant . And it probably makes you a more grateful participant . Also , there's this concept of the joy of giving back that we all know about , right . Knowing you help make someone's race experience possible is really rewarding . On a personal level , it's a reminder that the sport is about more than individual achievement .

It's about supporting each other and getting to the finish line . After volunteering at 100 Miler , I felt a deeper connection to the sport than ever before . Seeing runners dig deep to reach their goals and knowing that I played a small part in their success was really fulfilling .

It inspired me to sign up for my next race and gave me a renewed sense of purpose that I'd been missing and trying to find from a motivation standpoint through training throughout the whole of last summer . So to recap , here are some key takeaways about volunteering .

Number one volunteering super powerful way to give back , really great way to connect with others and super way to learn more about the sport .

Number two if you volunteer and I think you should expect to fill a variety of roles , work long hours and adapt to the needs of the race , but , as you're doing so , know that the efforts that you put in are going to make a massive difference . Number three be a great volunteer by showing up , staying positive , anticipate runners' needs and be flexible .

The rewards of volunteering , including inspiration , community perspective and the you , or find an event that you've always been interested in and sign up for a volunteer shift or two . I promise you , racers are always looking for extra help and volunteers are such a key part a crucial part of creating an amazing race experience .

A crucial part of creating an amazing race experience your time and your energy will make a real difference for runners and the entire race community . Brilliant , if these takeaways resonate with you and you are ready to take the next steps in your volunteer journey , keep that conversation going .

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The podcast connects more runners to this amazing ultra community that we have and spreads the word to those who could benefit from information we share here , just like this chat on volunteering . You can find us on Instagram and Facebook at Choose to Endure , or visit us anytime at choosetoendurecom .

I love to hear from you , whether it's to say hello , suggest a topic or share your story so that we can talk about it on air here and maybe even have you on as a guest . You can email me directly at info at choosetoeenjoycom .

Interacting with listeners , just like you , is one of my favorite parts of doing this show , so please don't be shy about reaching out Until next time . Run long , run strong , go find a race to volunteer at and keep choosing to endure .