We need your help! It takes more than 1,000 volunteers to make this event happen!
There are many opportunities to volunteer to help make the Kalamazoo Marathon and Borgess Run for the Health of it a success. Below are desciptions of various volunteer opportunities. Click "Sign Up Now" to complete our on-line volunteer registration form. All volunteers will receive an official Borgess Run Volunteer T-shirt.
There are also opportunities for groups to sign up as well, you will be prompted for your group name on the volunteer registration form.
If you have any questions regarding volunteering please contact Bobbie Lam, email: bobbie@borgessrun.com or call (269) 345-1913.
Pre-Race Help
- There’s lots to do in the weeks approaching the run—especially as the run draws near. Sorting t-shirts and organizing signage and course giveaways are big jobs, but the group work makes it fun and social. These tasks are done Monday through Friday during work hours.
Friday, May 3 | Borgess Health & Fitness
- The Kids Expo 3:30 – 5:30 p.m. | The Kids Fun Run starts at 6:00 p.m. | The Motivational Mile starts at 6:05 p.m.
All activities at Borgess Health & Fitness Center. Volunteers help with registration, assist with the Kids Expo, set up the course, organize runners by age group before the run, supervise the course during the race, be ready with a band aid, hand out awards to finishers, and/or clean up after the event.
Saturday, May 4 | Wings Stadium
- Expo: The Run Expo, held at Wings Stadium, takes place from 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. Volunteers help set-up (7-11 a.m.) and work in shifts throughout the day.
- Registration: Registration takes place at the Expo between 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. Volunteers help with late registration and packet pick up. Help is needed in shifts starting at 10 a.
Saturday, May 4 | Nazareth Campus
- Race Site Set up: Volunteers help tear down Kids Fun Run on Saturday morning and help set up the Race Site on Saturday afternoon.
Sunday, May 5 | Nazareth Campus
• Parking/Shuttles
- One of the main goals of the event is to make the day logistically excellent. That means parking has to run smoothly. Volunteers help direct participants.
• Start/Finish Campus
- Packet Pick-up: Volunteers help runners pick up numbers and t-shirts. Plan to work from 6 until 9 am.
- Gear check: Volunteers collect gear from runners, label it, and return it after the race. Plan to arrive at 6 am. Volunteers are needed throughout the morning.
- Tent City: Volunteers are needed to work at the Food and Beer Tent during the morning and early afternoon. Volunteers are also needed to help throughout Tent City (sponsor tent, distributing pickles, selling shirts, etc.) andto help take down signage and to clean up trash in the afternoon.
Sunday, May 5 | On The Course
• Course Needs
- Medical Coverage: Calling doctors and nurses! Share your expertise by keeping runners safe throughout the run. Must have medical background. Volunteers will be placed at Medical Tents along the course.
- Monitors: Volunteers will direct participants at key intersections, keep people on track and maintain order. It’s a big job!
- Aid Stations: The course offers approximately 15 aid stations giving water, Gu, and/or Gu Brew to participants. Volunteers may sign up in groups or as individuals.
• Entertainment and Excitement
Let us entertain you! Various forms of entertainment along the course enhance the runner experience and make the Borgess Run a community event that is anticipated year after year.
- Music: Individuals or bands spur the runners along. Tarps and tents will be provided in case of inclement weather.
- Spirit Stations: Brainstorm with us ways to make your group a unique spirit station. It’s fun for the runners; it’s fun for you!