FAQs

Which days do you need volunteers?

 
Most of the roles are on Sunday but we also welcome help on Friday and Saturday, assisting runners to collect their pack and preparing everything for race day.
 

What roles are available?

 
Course Marshalls – a great way to see the race in action, you will be helping to direct and support runners and spectators around the 13.1 mile course. Pick a role in one of our Race Zones (A-K) out on the race route around the city. You can find out more about where each Zone is here.
 
Start / Finish team – based around Midsummer Common, this role gives the opportunity to encourage runners as they set off and congratulate them when they finish. You could be helping to organise people at the start, giving them their medals and goody bags at the end or directing people back into the Event Village as they leave the Marquee.
 
Park and Ride Meeting team – be part of the team that helps to settle nerves and boost confidence as runners make their way to Midsummer Common. You will be helping get everyone off their bus and directing them to the event site. Some of these roles are dual roles – once the bus service stops, you will become part of the wider team in this area helping to marshal the course.
 
Enquiries & Pack Collection – a job for Friday and Saturday, you will be helping to reduce runners stress by ensuring they have everything they need before the race starts. You will be on hand to match runners to their race packs as well as help with general queries about the event.
 
Volunteers – look after the people who look after our athletes. You will be helping make sure we get everyone into the right place at the right time with the right stuff (as well as ensuring everyone can get a cup of tea and a biscuit!)
 
Merchandise – Runners love a race memento to remind them of their big achievement. You will be helping people to pick and buy their hoodies, hats, t-shirts and vests.
 
Set Up Team – if you’ve ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes to host a race for 15,000 runners, join the Set Up Team on Friday and Saturday. You will get involved in the wide variety of tasks required to prepare and organise before the big day.
 

How do I get to my shift location?

 
We are unable to offer transport to any shift locations, sorry. When selecting your shift, please check the location information and ensure you will be able to make your journey and arrive on time.
 
On Sunday, we offer free Park and Ride tickets on our special race day service however please note that this service drops off near to Midsummer Common and so isn’t suitable for a few of our roles which may be further out on the route. For an indication of time of walking times from Midsummer Common to Volunteer Meeting points, see here
 
If you plan to cycle or drive to your location, please be aware that traffic and parking restrictions may be in place – more details can be found in our Traffic Information Document. Cycle storage facilities will be available at Midsummer Common (please bring your bike lock).
 

I’m part of a group – can we volunteer together as a team?

 
Yes, we often work with clubs and community groups and have a number of roles where you can all be together e.g. drinks stations. Please email us at volunteers@osbevents.com with contact details and we will be in touch.
 

Can my friend and I volunteer together?

 
We can’t guarantee that you will be able to work next to your friend for the entire shift as we will always need to move people around to meet demand. However, if you both select the same shift (look for ones with multiple positions available) you are very likely to be working together and will be able to arrive and leave together.
 

Can children volunteer?

 
Encouraging a family atmosphere is important to us and we welcome children getting involved at events. We want to ensure a safe and positive experience for everyone, so we recommend that children are 8 years or older and please consider how your child will cope with the demands of a live event. Shifts based in our Bag Storage or directing runners on the course are most suitable for accompanied children. We don’t recommend younger children helping out in the finish area but this may be suitable for older teenagers.
 
Parents or guardians must accompany and be responsible for their children at all times – sorry but we can’t provide any childcare facilities. Our online volunteer management system Rosterfy does not currently allow under 16’s to create accounts, so if you would like to bring your child with you to volunteer, please email us: volunteers@osbevents.com
 

How will I know what to do?

 
We ensure everyone receives the information, training and equipment required for their selected shift. We produce a video briefing in advance of the race as well as sharing written guides where appropriate. On the day, you will be supported by one of our regular Crew members who will provide a briefing and be on hand for any questions and issues which arise.
 
If you are unsure about which roles may be suitable for you, please ask and we can advise.