Volunteer Training Module 4 Race Routes

1. Volunteer Training Module #4
On the Race Route

2. In this module you will learn about:
• Race Preparations
• Water Station Leaders
• Water Stations
• Course Marshals
• And more

3. Introduction

4. Introduction
For those working on the race route, you will learn important
information about your duties and the specifics of how certain
activities function.

5. Route Preparations
Prior to Race Weekend, your Leader will brief you on the following:
• Identify your position and describe your role, duties and activities
• Review pre-event and post-event activities and commitments
• Provide instructions on where to meet your Leader

6. How to Prepare for Race Weekend:
• YOUR CLOTHING – Dress in layers and plan for weather changes. Temperature can
change quite drastically from morning to midafternoon.
• YOUR TASKS - Know your roles, duties, and assignments.
• YOUR LOCATION - Know WHERE you need to be and how to get there.
• YOUR SCHEDULE - Know WHEN you need to be on duty and arrive on time.

7. Event Clothing
Make sure you wear your Volunteer t-
shirt provided and always wear the
safety vest when outside the Halifax
Scotiabank Centre, whether on the
route/course or in the Red Zone. You’ll
be more visible and easily identifiable as
a volunteer.

8. Youth Run
The Doctors NS Youth Run takes place on
Saturday May 20th. There are 2km and 4km
distances for which we anticipate up to 4,250
registrants. That’s a lot of little feet on the
street!
This is their time to have fun so you must keep
an eye out for hazards they may not see, in their
excitement.
Though participant safety is your most
important role, don’t forget to cheer loudly,
smile broadly, and enjoy the energy!

9. Lost Kids Area
The Doctors NS Youth Run is on Saturday morning.
What to do if you find a lost kid? Smile and tell
the youth not to worry! Contact your team leader
and grab another volunteer. Together, take the
youth to LOST KIDS in section 13 in the Scotiabank
Centre.
Lost Kids area will be clearly marked.
Volunteers will be easily spotted wearing a bright
t-shirt.

10. Water Station Leader

11. Water Station Leader
If this is your role, Water Station Leader training will be provided that includes
information on water station set up, manning a water station and break down.
Follow instructions given to you. If you have an idea of how to do things better, tell
us, we love to hear your suggestions.

12. Water Stations

13. Water Station
If you have the very important task of setting up and working a water station, here
is what it would look like. Don’t forget to practice safe lifting techniques – bend
your knees!

14. Working your Water Station
• Keep the roadway clear of discarded cups –
rakes are provided.
• Don’t forget to pack up the hose at the end of
the day.
• Recycle empty water bottles in the blue bags
provided.
• Mix Gatorade on an “as-needed” basis (about
a third of the space you have for cups to start
with).
• Use the rubber gloves provided.
• Remember spilt Gatorade is sticky!

15. Course Marshals

16. Course Marshal
Course Marshals are EXTREMELY IMPORTANT in keeping runners on course.
You need to know where the runners/walkers are headed.
If you are a Course Marshal, here are some important hints:
• Know the race events that are passing through your post. Some intersections have ALL 5 races
passing through.
• Know the race route directions and turns in your post.
• Know the various bib colours. The colour indicates which race they are participating in and
therefore the direction they are headed while in your area.

17. Course Marshal…continued
• The race course maps can be found on our website.
• They will also be provided to you on course.
• Know how to report emergencies and who to report them to.
• Know the anticipated traffic flow through your post
• Give verbal and physical (arm movements) directions to runners.
• Cheer your runners on… make noise!

18. Participant and Volunteer Bibs

19. Know your bibs.
Each event is identified by a bib
color which remains the same
year after year.
*Course Marshals should be very
familiar with bib colours
5KM
FULL HALF 10KM
YOUTHRELAY

20. 5KM
FULL HALF 10KM
YOUTHRELAY

21. Giv’er Crew Bib

22. Please keep in mind…
It’s not over until the last participant passes by.
It is everyone’s responsibility to ensure every runner, walker, or wheelchair
participant has had an extraordinary experience.
Water Station Volunteers and Course Marshals must remain in place until the
‘lag car’ passes.
If you need to leave your position, please call your Leader for relief.

23. Recap, Key Reminders!
• Know your role (if you don’t, ask
questions).
• Be safe and keep the participants safe.
• Don’t abandon your post!
• Stay until the end of the event or your
shift.
• Last, but not least, have FUN!

24. For any questions
Please contact our Volunteer Co-Chairs at:
volunteer@bluenosemarathon.com