Preparing for your volunteer assignment
Before your assignment
- Review the B.A.A. Volunteer Code of Conduct and the Volunteer Rights and Responsibilities.
- Review the check in location for your assignment.
Getting to your assignment
A map with important Race Day volunteer locations can be found below:
- The majority of volunteers will report to the Volunteer Tent at the Franklin Park Playstead. Your specific check in location is noted in your assignment email.
- Fluid Station and Maurten Gel Energy Zone volunteers will report directly to their station on course.
- Medical volunteers and Amateur Radio volunteers will check in at the Medical Tent at the Franklin Park Playstead.
- Shuttles are available from Copley Square on race day. Additional shuttles will run from the Forest Hills MBTA Orange Line Station.
- Parking in Boston is limited; please take the MBTA and B.A.A. Shuttles if possible.
- If you are driving, we recommend parking at The Garage at 100 Clarendon, which is two blocks from the shuttle pick-up at Copley Square. For rates and more information, click here: www.100clarendon.com. If you park in a garage remember to keep your receipt for a tax deduction.
B.A.A. Shuttle Service
Copley Square
Volunteer shuttle service to Franklin Park will be available from Copley Square.
- Two volunteer shuttles will leave from Copley Square at 5:00 a.m. and 5:15 a.m.
- Pick-up is on the corner of Dartmouth Street and Saint James.
- Remaining shuttles after 5:30am for both volunteers and participants will leave from Boylston Street.
- Return shuttle service to Copley Square from Franklin Park will be available after the race until 12:00 p.m.
Forest Hills MBTA Orange Line Station
Shuttle service to Franklin Park will be available from Forest Hills MBTA Station.
- Shuttle service to Franklin Park from Forest Hills: 5:30 a.m. to 7:15 a.m. (5 Minute Ride)
- Return shuttle service to Forest Hills from Franklin Park will be available after the race until 12:00 p.m.
At Your Assignment
- Please arrive on-time for your volunteer assignment.
- Your Team Captain will begin training will begin immediately following check-in.
- If you cannot make your assignment, please do not send a replacement.
- We do not provide gear check for volunteers. Any items you bring will need to be kept on your person throughout your assignment.
- Volunteers may not bring pets (other than service animals), children, or guests with them as the B.A.A. cannot be responsible for them during your assignment. All volunteers must be registered in advance and must be 18 years or older on the date of their assignment.
- Please have your photo ID with you at all times to present if requested.
- Do not bring cameras or other valuables with you to your assignment; The B.A.A. is not responsible for lost or stolen items.
- The use of drugs, alcohol, and tobacco products at any B.A.A. event is prohibited.
- If you are handling food or drink, the B.A.A. will provide non-latex, plastic cafeteria-style food handling gloves that must be worn at all times.
Food
- Volunteers checking in at Franklin Park will be offered bagels and coffee at the volunteer tent.
Attire
- Volunteers must wear their 2024 Boston Half shirt. Some assignments may also receive a safety vest, please return the safety vest at the end of your shift.
- Please be sure to wear attire that is comfortable and weather appropriate.
5 Things to Remember for Race Morning:
- Come Prepared: Prepare for your shift by reading pre-assignment communications sent by the B.A.A. Volunteer Program and your Team Captain, and review content posted on baa.org. You will receive training on-site; however, we encourage you to familiarize yourself with the location and details of your assignment in advance. Additionally, bring anything you may need to sustain you throughout the morning keeping in mind we do not offer volunteer gear check.
- Teamwork: Arrive on time, listen to all instructions from your Team Captain, and treat others with respect to ensure a successful volunteer shift.
- Focus: Be aware of your surroundings, report any issues to your Team Captain, and remember to refrain from excessive mobile phone/camera use during your shift.
- Dress for Success: Wear attire that is comfortable and weather appropriate. Most volunteer positions involve substantial standing and moving so supportive, closed-toe shoes are recommended. You will wear your adidas B.A.A. Half Marathon long sleeve t-shirt that you will receive on race morning. Some teams will also receive a safety vest to wear during their shift, vests must be returned at the end of the shift.
- Have Fun!: Your energy and enthusiasm keeps our participants going throughout their race experience.