Race registrations for 2023 seemed to have opened early this year. I feel like the race season just ended and suddenly I have to make decisions about next season.
Save for a couple of key races (more on that later), I have not signed up for any races. I was super busy in 2022 and I felt like I was racing or training for a race every weekend.
So next year I am going to be a little more spontaneous.
But I am definitely adding volunteering at local races high on my ‘to do’ list. As you know, my big goal in 2022 was to be more “social” and get more involved with Calgary’s running community.
Besides all the social running this year, I volunteered at several local races (and even the Highland Games!). I think it’s really important to give back especially as runners we “take” so much at these races. Race directors and their teams do so much to put on a good race and sometimes we forget the time and commitment it takes to put on these races year after year.
So when you are working on your race calendar this year – please consider the races or events to give some of your free time. I promise you – it will be worth it!
From manning a table at package pickup, to sweeping a part of the course to working aid stations, there are many ways opportunities to help. We volunteer because we want to be part of the race community especially in the case that we are injured and still want to soak up the atmosphere.
Helping out friends at aid stations is one of the reasons I love to lend a hand at local races. Runners love to see familiar faces at aid stations or along the course – it could be just what the runner needs to push through. (We can all agree it’s so much better not to be the one suffering.)
Races are also a bottomless pits of inspiration. Selfishly volunteering at a race can be that kick in the butt to jumpstart your training. Ask yourself how many times have you have immediately laced up your sneakers after seeing some amazing performances (comebacks, strength, wins, etc) at a local race?
But volunteering does not have to be associated with race day. You can give back to the community by helping out local trail organizations – at the places we love to run! Twice this year I volunteered with Friends of Kananaskis County for trail building and maintenance day at West Bragg. Both were super rewarding experiences – particularly in June when we helped clear the Boundary Ridge trail. It was one of the trails that had seen a lot of tree fall during a recent wind storm. Gosh it felt good running on that trail weeks later knowing our group helped make it safer for all users.
Gosh there’s so many reasons why you should add “volunteer” to your “race” calendar this year. Mostly it’s all about giving back to a sport you love and helping to grow a positive and encouraging community.
Do you volunteer at races? What do you like about volunteering? I would love to hear from you in the comments below.