Let me just say that volunteering at the Boston Marathon once again did not disappoint!
On Monday, I was lucky enough to be one of the 11,000 volunteers working the Marathon. This was my third year volunteering, and after not getting an assignment last year, I was psyched to be assigned to the finish area (previous assignments were in the Athlete’s Village in Hopkinton).
My team manned the huge water station after the finish line. We got to cheer the wheelchair finishers and the elites before it was time to man our stations to greet the masses! I had illusions of being able to take lots of pictures, but the reality was once those runners started coming through it was a crazy flurry of activity.
The energy was amazing! I was blown away by how good some people looked as they came in, while others seriously worried me that I was going to have to put my CPR training to use – no joke. My team hooted and hollered and congratulated as many runners as possible. I joined some finishers in primal screams of celebration and received hugs from perfect strangers. And, I really appreciated the number of people who thanked us for volunteering. While I missed some friends in the chaos, I was lucky enough to catch up with Michele from NYC Running Mama and Sarah, aka SBS from Another Mother Runner!
My teammates were a fun bunch – some runners, but interestingly some were not – they all just loved this event and wanted to be apart of it. I could go on and on, but suffice it to say it was a great day, and I can’t wait to volunteer again next year!
Source: Boston.com
Have you ever been a race volunteer?
Joining Amanda for Thinking Out Loud Thursdays 
I bet it was an amazing experience – how cool to be assigned to the finish line. I try to thank the volunteers — if I can catch my breath enough!
Coco recently posted…What Energizes You?
It really was such a blast! I would do it again in a heartbeat 🙂
I don’t know that I’ll ever run a marathon, but I’d seriously love to volunteer at one. I can only imagine how amazing the energy must be! 😀
Amanda @ .running with spoons. recently posted…obsessions, exercise lately, and the BEST cereal add-in (ToL#179)
I’m with you on that Amanda – I figure this may be the closest I ever get to the marathon finish line!
I can only imagine what an experience it was to volunteer. That is something I would love to do one day.
I love volunteering at races in general but the marathon is by far my favorite.
That sounds like so much fun! I’ve volunteered at a ton of races, but always at packet pickup. I’d love to do a finish line volunteer shift someday!
Kristen recently posted…The Tri Newbie Chronicles: Running 101
If you ever get the chance Kristen I highly recommend it!
I’ve been dying to know how your day went! So glad you enjoyed. So very cool to be at the finish! I volunteered at the Chicago Marathon a couple of times, the last time I was at the start line, way up in the elite corral, which was awesome, but yeah no way could I get any pics.
Marcia recently posted…Emotional Jekyll & Hyde
Yeah I was really hoping to snag some pics, but just wasn’t gonna happen. Otherwise a truly perfect day!
That sounds like such a cool experience! I worked the finish line at RnR a few years ago quite a different perspective
Deborah @ Confessions of a mother runner recently posted…The Fit Foodie Race Weekend is Coming-Run with me Giveaway
So true – the finish line of any race does provide a very different perspective!
Oh I bet volunteering in Boston has to be an amazing experience! I’ve volunteered for a race in the past, handing out water or helping with registration. It feels good to give back to the community, and you do get to meet some cool people!
Janelle @ Run With No Regrets recently posted…Goals for the Broad Street Run
It really is a special experience and why I keep going back!
I have volunteered at GOTR events, but would love to do Boston! Sounds like you had a great day!
AmyC recently posted…Full Body Workout and My First Feast Day
I think GOTR would be a great organization to support – I wish they had events in my area.