Sunday, April 21, 2013

GW Parkway Classic Volunteers at your service!

This morning I woke up before dawn not to run a race, but to volunteer at a race.  Today was my first water stop volunteering job.  Sure I've marked bibs on endurance athletes,, handed out candy to marathon runners, but never have I handed a runner water. Runclub was volunteering at the GW Parkway Classic 10 miler.  So I decided to sign up for a job.  We showed up well before the first runner toed the start line.
Bill and Megan unloading the truck.

Becky on Garbage duty.
We set up tables and loaded up lots of cups with water and Gatorade.  Ah the sticky messy Gatorade..I was hoping not to deal with this product.  I can't stand the sticky mess.  I also hate to run through where Gatorade has been..my shoes always stick to the ground.  ugh!  Turns out this morning I dealt with the Gatorade with little problem.  

Lots of runners were out today.  It was fun handing out the Gatorade to them (yep that is what I handed out the drink I was trying to avoid).  We were so popular that our side of the road ran out of Gatorade.  

People were so jealous of my rake and my jacket.  When I stop teaching I think I may work on a road crew..the bright yellow really brings out the blonde in my hair.  


 It was wonderful seeing so many runners supporting Boston.  Lots of signs for Boston.  Runners are great! I also loved the fact that so many runners thanked us for volunteering! The water stop went by pretty quickly and before you know it I was raking up cups.

As I was raking look who I saw coming down the road....
 Yep the juggler is back!  Ugh...  I guess I don't have to worry about him now.

We loaded up the trucks and we were finished.  Poor Becky had a run in with a dolly and unfortunately the dolly won.  Came up and smacked her on her forehead.  So Megan and Becky were stopping off at Patient First to make sure she would survive.  Don't worry she has a hard noggin' :)  

So glad I spent this Sunday morning hanging with some of my running friends!  

On another note, I have my first runners tan going on.  I have a lovely red  V on my neck along with some red arms.  Next time I need to remember to wear some sunscreen.  

5 comments:

Victoria said...

Race volunteers are always wonderful :)

And are you serious, a guy running and juggling? That's so nifty! Kinda strange/unexpected, but nifty nonetheless

lisa fine said...

I've only volunteered at one race, and it was definitely fun to be on the other side of the course.

And of course they had you take care of the Gatorade. Isn't that the way it works?

Barbara said...

That's awesome that you volunteered! I love people like you:)) Glad your friend is okay.
❀Barbara❀
My Running Shortz

Zaneta @ Runner's Luck said...

That's awesome!!! So exciting!!! :) AND what a great way to give back to the running community!! :)
ALSO, how in the world does that guy run AND juggle?! I can't even juggle standing still! lol

From Ice Cream to Marathon said...

I just recently volunteered at my first race, it was so much fun!
Glad Becky is ok, that must've hurt!