Volunteer
We are currently looking for additional volunteers to help ensure the success of this year's Larking Gowen City of Norwich Half Marathon. We'll be expecting up to 3,000 runners on race day - many in aid of charity - and we will need plenty of people working behind the scenes to help ensure runner safety, to undertake various tasks on race day and - of course - to smile and cheer!
Members and friends of City of Norwich AC will form the vast majority of the volunteers on race day but more pairs of hands are always welcome.
Where is the event?
At the Norfolk Showground, Costessey - please click here for this year's Race Day Info page.
When do you need help?
On race day, ideally between 9am and 2pm - but if you are able to arrive earlier or leave later (or both) that would be even more helpful as there will always be things to do! We'll also have some opportunities on the day after the race, helping to pack away all the race equipment used on the previous day. Many hands make light work and all that ...
What do you need volunteers for?
On race day we will need people to help us staff areas such as the three water stations on the course, the finish area, our public areas, of course marshaling the various corners and junctions on the course itself to assist and support the runners. Volunteers do not need to direct traffic as it's a closed course and traffic management is handled by a specialist team. After the race, help is needed with taking down the course facilities, gathering equipment and tidying the venue.
Do I need training?
No – if you are part of a group task (such as a water station) you’ll have a team leader who will explain what to do on the day, otherwise we will provide you with any relevant course maps, emergency instructions & contact details and a high visibility jacket (for identity and safety purposes).
Can anyone help?
Yes, anyone aged 16 and over can help - you don’t need to be a runner or superman, but please bear in mind that most jobs will be outdoors and involve standing for a few hours. We will endeavour to put volunteers in a place based on ability and experience, so if you have marshaled or helped out at this event or similar ones before then please let us know – but if not, please don’t worry we will do our best to find a job suited to your talents! Enthusiasm and common sense are the two main things we need. Family groups are welcome and will be placed together.
Do I need to bring anything?
Some warm, waterproof clothing (the weather is the one thing we can’t plan in advance) and stout footwear are advisable. If you have a mobile phone, please bring it along both to use to contact us should you need to, or for us to contact you. We will provide a free packed lunch and hot or cold refreshments for all our volunteers.
When do I need to be there?
Volunteers usually check in between 8.00am and 9.30am, but if you can get there earlier, it’s much appreciated. The race starts at 10.00am but we do need time to brief all our helpers and get them in position before the gun fires.
When can I leave?
In terms of finishing, most of the jobs will need to be done until the end of the race itself - between 1.30pm and approximately 2pm, dependent on runners of course. However, if people really need to get away before that then of course we can be flexible. Conversely, if people can stay after that and help us tidy up (until approx 4pm) it’s also a bonus. We will make it clear to everyone when they check in what time they will be able to leave.
Yes please, I'm in - what next?
If this sounds like something you would like to do and meet a group of like-minded individuals helping at a premier road running event that raises thousands for charity then please get in touch now.
By email - manpower@cityofnorwichhalfmarathon.com
With many thanks
Sarah Stubbs
Volunteer Coordinator - Larking Gowen City of Norwich Half Marathon
