Volunteer for Proud To Run 2019!
The success of Proud To Run would not be possible without the dedication of our hundreds of volunteers. Volunteers receive a free Proud To Run T-shirt, and they experience the satisfaction of helping raise much-needed funds for our worthy Beneficiaries. Volunteering is a great way to get involved with Chicago’s Original Pride Week Running Event. We’d love to have you join us!
Pre-race events include staffing packet pickup locations and helping out with fundraising events. On race day, volunteers help register runners, distribute water, direct runners along the race route, work at gear check, distribute medals at the finish line, and more!
For an added challenge, consider a leadership position. Prior experience volunteering is a bonus, but not required for a leadership role.
If you know how you’d like to help, click the button below.
New to Proud To Run? Scroll down to see all the ways you can help us #RunForward in 2019!
2019 Volunteer Opportunities
Packet Pickup – Get ’em ready! Prior to race day, volunteers prepare and distribute race packets at selected locations. Standing, bending, and lifting minimal weight required. This job is fast-paced at peak pickup times.
Race Day Setup – On your mark, get set, go! Volunteers will meet to help load supplies into the truck for delivery to the race site in the wee hours of the morning (4:00 a.m.). After this group loads and unloads the truck, they’ll watch the sun rise over coffee and bagels as they prepare the area to welcome participants and spectators.
Water Station Caption: Leadership position (3 needed) – Water Station Captains supervise all aspects of their assigned water station. They coordinate the delivery of water to the station and oversee its set up, the distribution of water and the cleanup of the area. Previous experience as a Water Station Volunteer is beneficial for this assignment.
Water Station – Hydrate those runners! Water Station Volunteers are assigned to a particular water station and responsible for setting up and filling cups, distributing water to runners while cheering them on, picking up discarded cups, and cleaning up the area after all participants have passed. This is a great volunteer opportunity for a large group.
Course Manager: Leadership position (3 needed) – Course Managers supervise Course Marshals at their assigned course area. They place and supervise the Course Marshals, and check in on them throughout the race. Having a bike onsite is a plus and will allow you to monitor your area efficiently. Course Managers receive a course map and are required to complete a bike ride through the course with the Proud To Run Board a week before race day.
Course Marshal – Cheer and direct runners along the route! Course Marshals will be assigned to a specific course location, where they will cheer on runners while directing them to stay on course. Volunteers will walk or bike to their location and remain there throughout the race. This job includes standing the entire shift, though you can bring your own chair if necessary. It’s a perfect opportunity for two or three to work together. Bring your signs, noisemaker,s and your enthusiasm!
Gear Check Captain (Leadership position) – The Gear Check Captain oversees the gear check area and supervises volunteers in the collection, labeling, and orderly placement of bags, ensuring that bags are returned to racers in an efficient and polite manner.
Gear Check – Keep runners’ items safe during the race! Volunteers will collect and organize bags from participants (usually containing clothes) at the start of the race. They’ll secure the gear until runners return to pick up their bags. Standing, bending, and lifting minimal weight required. This job is fast-paced at peak dropoff and pickup times.
Finish Line Captain (Leadership Position) – The Finish Line Captain helps ensure the smooth operation of the finish line, including distribution of bottled water and medals, and monitors cleanup of the area after the race.
Finish Line – Welcome them home! Distribute bottled water and medals to runners as they finish the race. Clean up area. Cheer like crazy!
Greeters – Welcome runners and supporters! Greet racers and their fans as they enter the race area at Montrose, east of Lake Shore Drive. Answer questions about parking, the location of the site, and the course. Help generate enthusiasm before participants are even out of their cars or off their bikes! A great job for a small group.
Photographers and Videographers – Volunteers will photograph and record all aspects of the race, from setup to teardown. Help us capture this amazing event on film. Photos and videos are posted on the Proud To Run website with proper attribution.
Post-Race Teardown – Help keep Chicago beautiful! Volunteers will cleanup at the conclusion of the event. Duties consist of picking up trash, tables, and chairs; taking down banner; and assisting with loading items into truck. Volunteers are needed to unload items at the Proud To Run storage room offsite. Start time is 10:00 a.m. Medium to heavy lifting required.