Volunteeer burnout (?)

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MrBond
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Volunteeer burnout (?)

Postby MrBond » Sun May 06, 2018 7:40 am

I try to help out at as many running events as I can - health issues have precluded me being much of an active participant these past few years.
With very few exceptions, volunteers are treated pretty shabbily, they show up early to do a lot of the grunt work as well as help run the event and tidy up afterwards.
Half a bagel and a banana (if you're lucky) doesn't cut it any more. A lot of these events are 'for profit' as well as supporting charities.
If you can't take care of the people that make it happen then I'm out.
End of rant - but I'd like to hear your comments....?

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Spirit Unleashed
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Re: Volunteeer burnout (?)

Postby Spirit Unleashed » Sun May 06, 2018 10:36 am

I volunteered last weekend: I got free camping spot, free park entrance, 50% off future race, swag if I wanted it, a meal if I wanted it.
Bonus points: I met some great people.
Of course, this was an ultra event. I don't think a major road race would interest me.
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Spirit Unleashed
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Re: Volunteeer burnout (?)

Postby Spirit Unleashed » Sun May 06, 2018 10:38 am

What the heck does a jackson Browne concert have to do with this?
Athlete....Maniac 973....Marathon Maniac 6645
Live the most amazing life you can live - La
marathon runners are awesomeness personified - Ian
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MrBond
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Re: Volunteeer burnout (?)

Postby MrBond » Sun May 06, 2018 10:39 am

Spirit Unleashed wrote:What the heck does a jackson Browne concert have to do with this?


Just a salute to all the roadies.
"You're in over your head Donny..."

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MrBond
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Re: Volunteeer burnout (?)

Postby MrBond » Sun May 06, 2018 2:07 pm

To clarify - this editorial is NOT pointed at any one particular race series, director, charity or organization.
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Jwolf
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Re: Volunteeer burnout (?)

Postby Jwolf » Sun May 06, 2018 4:35 pm

I’ve had good experiences at most of the races I’ve volunteered at. Some are better than others. I should do more...
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eme
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Re: Volunteeer burnout (?)

Postby eme » Sun May 06, 2018 8:31 pm

The one race that I stopped volunteering at is Run for the Cure. It is huge and doesn't really treat it's volunteers very well. I find the local version very unorganized and expects the volunteers to be there way longer than necessary (a lot of sitting around and waiting for them to get organised).

I prefer to help out at local community events (and ultra - they have a great vibe).

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Re: Volunteeer burnout (?)

Postby ultraslacker » Sun May 06, 2018 10:58 pm

I find it totally depends on the race and on the organizers and the volunteer organizers. There are some races I would never volunteer for again... but others have been great! And around here, sometimes volunteering for a race will get you early access to races that sell out early, so that’s always a plus.

I don’t volunteer as often as I would like, just because of my hectic work schedule. If my life ever settles down I’d like to do more.




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La
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Re: Volunteeer burnout (?)

Postby La » Mon May 07, 2018 7:08 am

MrBond wrote:To clarify - this editorial is NOT pointed at any one particular race series, director, charity or organization.

Though in some ways it should be, because as many mentioned below, there are some races where volunteers are treated very well (Ironman, 5Peaks Ontario), and other where they're not.
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