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Become a
Volunteer
Why not join us as a Great Run volunteer?
As a volunteer at one of our events, you will join an amazing team and play an instrumental part in making our events and experience extra special. We are always looking for new members to join our team so please get in touch.
If you have any questions about volunteering, see our FAQ section here or take a look at the Volunteer Handbook. If you’re ready to sign up, find out how below.
Individual Volunteers
To register your interest in volunteering at any of our Great Run events please head to our Volunteer Portal using the Volunteer Sign Up button below. Once you have registered and set up an account, you will be able to see further details for each of our events and apply for those that interest you. See our FAQ section below for any questions.
Groups
If you are a member of a community group, charity, sports club or any other type of club that may like to get involved, we would love to hear from you! Please drop us an email at volunteers@greatrun.org and one of our team will contact you.
Pacers
If you would like to join our Great Run Solgar pacer team, click on the button below and create an account on our Volunteer Portal, and include your pacer experience in the ‘About You’ tab. Once registered you will be able to view and apply online for pacer roles at each of our Great Run events.
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Volunteer FAQ
About Volunteering
Why volunteer at our events?
Our Great Run, Great Swim and Ultra events are fantastic opportunities to have fun, meet new people and be part of a ‘big event’ experience.
As a member of our amazing volunteer team, you will play a key part in the event delivery and will be able to make a real contribution to the race day experience of our participants.
In terms of perks, we offer access to Great Run Partner Rewards. On Event Day, you will receive a souvenir technical t-shirt, and a Greggs packed lunch with a drink.
If you are volunteering as part of a community group, you will also receive a donation to your group as a thank you for volunteering.
What volunteer roles are available?
The volunteer roles vary, however here are some examples of the roles that appear frequently at our events:
Finish Team Volunteer
As part of the Finish Team you will be the first happy face that the participants see when they cross the finish line. Your role will consist of congratulating the participants on their amazing achievement, asking them which size t-shirt they would like, and handing them a finisher’s pack. You may also help direct runners who have opted out of a t-shirt the correct way once they have finished.
Start Team Volunteer
As a member of the Start Team your role will be to direct the runners into the correct assembly areas; the colour of their run number will correspond to the assembly area they need to be directed to. You may be asked to walk each wave of runners forward to the start line.
Baggage Info Team Volunteer
The baggage drop is a key function of the event, and as part of this team you will direct runners to the correct location to leave their bags and advise them on how to complete and fix their baggage label. When runners have completed the event and return for their bags you will check their baggage label number matches their run number as they leave the baggage area.
Water Station Team
As part of the Water Station Team your role will be to unpack bottles of water from pallets on to tables ready for the runners to pick up as they pass. You will need to frequently restock the tables to ensure that all runners have access to water and make sure that any waste is flattened and packed away neatly ready for collection by the cleansing team after the event. As part of our sustainability campaign, at a few of our events, we have replaced plastic bottles with paper cups. When this happens, you will need to continuously fill the cups with water and hand them out to passing runners.
Course Marshal Team
As a member of the Course Marshal Team you will be given a specific location on the route of the course. This role could involve directing runners, helping spectators cross the route safely, warning participants of any upcoming hazards, and generally cheering on the runners!
Customer Services Volunteer
This role involves assisting at the Information Point on Event Day by answering questions from runners about the event, which could include general directional queries around the local area. You will also be involved with queue management and handing out safety pins to runners.
Do I need previous volunteering experience?
No specialist skills or prior experience is required for most of our event volunteer roles. You will receive all necessary role information in advance, along with a full briefing on the morning of the event.
I have registered as a volunteer. What do I do next?
After creating your volunteer profile, you’ll be able to sign up for any of our events. You can find all upcoming events on the ‘Volunteer Opportunities’ page in the volunteer portal.
Can I volunteer if I have a disability?
Absolutely – we’d love for you to be part of the team! If you have any accessibility requirements, please email us at volunteers@greatrun.org to discuss it further.
What should I bring to the event I am volunteering at?
On the day, please make sure you wear comfortable, weather appropriate clothing. You will most likely be outside all day so make sure to bring:
- A cap, sun cream, and waterproofs (if necessary)
- A small bag to carry with you as there will not be a place to store any baggage or items. Please make sure to also leave any valuables at home.
- A refillable bottle of water.
You will be provided with a packed lunch, volunteer t-shirt, and hi-vis on event day when you sign in at Volunteer Registration.
