volunteer instructions :: aid stations
Everyone
Arrive at least 30 minutes before the first runners are scheduled to arrive at your station, so you have time to set up the table(s) and pre-fill cups, and make sure everyone is ready for the runners.
This year, the water bottles will be the smaller 12L size rather than 18L, and there will be 2 pouring pitchers at each aid station for filling the cups quickly and efficiently. Fill the pitchers by pouring directly from the 12L bottles – they are manageable. Then, with the cups all lined up with rims touching, you can pour continuously across them using the pitcher. Much faster than using a spigot on a dispenser!
Blue coolers are for Gatorade. Fill cups directly from the cooler.
DO NOT put Gatorade in Noah’s Water bottles. Blue barrel only. Use 3rd Gatorade can to make another half batch if needed (stations 3 and 4 only).
Set up water and Gatorade on the 2 separate tables provided. Set them up about 30-40 feet apart. They must be completely off the road so the shoulder is open for runners to use without going into the traffic lane.
Gatorade is provided first, then water (as runners come by).
Set up 2 garbage cans about 30 and 50 ft past the last table, for runners to throw their cups into (or try).
Everyone at the water stations must wear the vinyl gloves (provided).
Pre-fill as many cups as you have room for – each cup 2/3 to 3/4 full.
Volunteers (with vinyl gloves) holding cups shout “GATORADE” or “WATER”. Spread out along the edge of road, on the verge not the shoulder, about 6 ft between each volunteer, extra space between Gatorade & Water. EVERYONE MUST BE ON THE SAME SIDE OF THE ROAD – the verge. Do not cross the runners’ path. Keep the shoulder clear for runners to use.
Dangle cup by the rim between thumb and forefinger, and move arm with the runner a bit so it’s a smoother grab. Have more ready in other hand. Be prepared to get wet!
HAVE FUN! and SMILE!!! Keep the runners spirits up!!
One person: Keep picking up used cups and putting them in the garbage can/bag. Stacking the cups saves space. Keep vinyl gloves and other garbage separate from the cups, do not put in same bag please.
Captains
Coordinate with Larry or Teresa to obtain your supplies. This year we are asking you to pick them up from a volunteer’s home garage in Gibsons near PaceSetter Athletic. You will be receiving:
- 12L water bottles (numbers TBD)
- 2 folding tables
- 1 blue cooler barrel for Gatorade
- A red bin containing 2 pitchers, plenty of cups, vinyl gloves, captain’s hoodie, volunteer t-shirts (for those volunteers not signing in elsewhere), lanyard with key phone #’s, 3 garbage bags (2 big, 1 small)
We need you to supply 2 garbage cans or wire frame bag holders or large bins to hold garbage bags, for collecting used cups.
The smaller garbage bag can be kept near the tables to collect other garbage such as gel pack wrappers and the vinyl gloves.
Pre-mix one batch of Gatorade in the blue barrel at home (2 canisters into 1 full barrel). For stations 3 and 4, bring a wooden spoon or large plastic spoon in case you need to mix up another half batch of Gatorade during the race.
It’s not likely, but if you think you’re running low on water or cups, send a volunteer to the finish line food area to see if they have extra supplies you can use. Take action on this well before you actually run out of anything.
After last runner (wait for the sweep volunteer on a bicycle): Immediately start to bring all supplies and used cups to the finish area food tents. On the way there, stop at each of the later aid stations to ask if they need extra supplies (may save them a trip to the finish line and back). The water station captains will be on a list of “allowed” vehicles into the park driveway at the side (past the finish line, beside the fence) – for drop off only, can’t stay parked there. Take the left branch of the driveway to get close to the food tents for drop off.
Unused 12L water bottles, cups and Gatorade go behind the food tents (place near the water/Gatorade table if possible). Bag of used cups and bag of other garbage should be given to the green team. Empty bottles (12L) should be put neatly at the back of the food tents.
Thank you!