Try This: Volunteer for a local race day 👟

City Editor Ivan here. While I’m no stranger to the running world, I’ve never had the opportunity to volunteer for a race. So, I decided to lace up and see what a race day was like from behind the barricades. Here’s how it works + why you should Try This.

What we tried (with pricing):

I attended the Run the Alamo 13.1 + Marathon, which took place in downtown San Antonio on Sun., March 6. Before heading out, I knew to arrive early, expecting plenty of road closures + detours around race areas. If you’re volunteering for a race, research this info ahead of time so you don’t run into any trouble on race day.

I was able to snag a parking space at the Martinez Lot at Zone 78075 for $0.50/hour. Pro tip: Cities like San Antonio and Austin have mobile parking apps (SAPark + ParkATX) to help you navigate the correct areas to park.

Fun fact: It’s free to volunteer. You might be asking, “What do volunteers actually do during a race?” Well, they support event organizers, like Athlete Guild, by assisting racers with last-minute registration in the morning, cheering on participants, and handing out water, snacks, and celebratory beer at the finish line.

What not to miss:

There’s nothing like being surrounded by a community of athletes cheering each other on. Make sure to take time to check out the creativity amongst support signs. One in particular that made me laugh read, “I love your stamina — call me.”

What we’re still talking about:

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Only on race days can you expect to be high-fived by a total stranger. Whether you’re volunteering or participating, you can’t help but feel like you’re surrounded by friends. In fact, I even met two readers of SATX.

How you can experience this:

Athlete Guild has several upcoming events for both runners and those who wish to volunteer:

• 2022 Chicken Run & Farm Yoga | Sat., March 26 | Castroville
• Dash to the VTO | Sat., March 26 | San Antonio
• Roar and Run Annual Lion’s 5K | Sat., April 2 | New Braunfels
• Got Your Back 5K | Sun., April 3 | San Marcos
• Burnet Bluebonnet 5K/10K, Senior 2K and Kids Fun Run | Sat., April 9 | Burnet
• Shake, Rattle, Run/Walk with your Canine | Sat., April 9 | New Braunfels
• Run for the Future 5K | Sat., April 23 | New Braunfels | Bulverde
• Run with Purpose | Sat., April 30 | New Braunfels
• 23rd Annual Run for the Hills | Sat., May 7 | Bulverde
• Texas Long Run 5K and Road Mile Challenge | Sat., May 14 | New Braunfels
• Front Porch Days Half Marathon/10K/5K/3K/1K | Sat., May 2 | Kyle
• Dos Rios 5K Splash and Dash | Sat., June 18 | New Braunfels
• Stars and Stripes Half Marathon and 5K/10K | Sat., July 23 | New Braunfels

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Things to know if you go:

• Experience: Volunteer for a local race
• Price: Free to volunteer; participant registration prices vary
• Website: https://www.athleteguild.com/event
• Address: San Antonio, Austin + surrounding areas in South Central Texas
• Hours: Mornings, typically beginning around 8 a.m.
• Social: Facebook | LinkedIn | Instagram | YouTube*