Preparing for Your Volunteer Assignment

 

Before Your Assignment

• Prior to the event, please study the course maps and familiarize yourself with the locations of the nearest first aid station, timing clock, information booth, and other information pertinent to your assigned area.
• Review the Volunteer Baggage Policy:

• Review the B.A.A. Volunteer Code of Conduct, Volunteer Rights and Responsibilities, and Protocol.
• Most importantly, remember that as a B.A.A. Boston Marathon volunteer you are an ambassador and representative the B.A.A., City of Boston, the country and the sport.
• Review the check in location for your assignment and our transportation guidelines:

 

At Your Assignment

• Please arrive on-time for your volunteer assignment.
• Training will begin immediately following volunteer check-in and before starting your assignment.
• If you cannot make your assignment, please do not send a replacement.
• Do not bring pets, children, friends or anyone else with you as we cannot be responsible for them. They will interfere with you carrying out your responsibilities.
• 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.
• No backpacks are allowed.
• No tobacco or alcohol.
• 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

• Bring food with you to your assignment in a clear plastic bag - bring enough calories to sustain you throughout the long day, potentially outside in the elements.
• Volunteers at the Expo will be be provided bagels and coffee. Volunteers working in Hopkinton will be provided with bagels and coffee. Boston volunteers will receive either bagels and coffee for early morning shifts (Bus Loading/Gear Check Shift 1), or a light lunch. Course volunteers are responsible for bringing their own lunch.

Attire

• Dress casual and for the weather, unless otherwise noted by your Team Captain.
• The Boston Marathon is proud of its sponsors, and all of these sponsors play important roles for our participants and the event. adidas is the official footwear, apparel and accessory sponsor. Please help us by supporting their position, and wearing footwear and apparel that is either in support of our sponsor or logo-neutral.
• Volunteers must wear their 2023 Boston Marathon volunteer jacket and volunteer name badge with credential. The jackets and name badges are distributed at volunteer check-in, and must be worn at all times. If you must take off your jacket for health reasons, please tie it around your waist.

5 Things to Remember for Race Weekend

1. Come Prepared: Review assignment details before race day, bring your government issued photo ID, store all belongings in a clear plastic bag, and remember to bring food to sustain you throughout the day..
2. Teamwork: Arrive on time, listen to all instructions from your Team Captain, and treat others with respect to ensure a successful volunteer shift.
3. Focus: Be aware of your surroundings, report any issues to your Team Captain, and remember to refrain from mobile phone/camera use while the race is in progress.
4. Dress for success: Wear attire that is clean, casual, and weather appropriate. You will wear your adidas Boston Marathon volunteer jacket that you receive at check in. If possible, wear footwear and apparel that is either in support of our sponsor or without logos..
5. Have fun!: The energy and enthusiasm you bring to your assignment is what makes the Boston Marathon special. Our participants are so appreciative of your support, and you make each of them feel supported throughout their Boston Marathon experience.

Volunteer Pocket Guides

• Race Weekend
• Start Area
• Race Course
• Finish Area

Information on Lactation and Medical Device Program

As a volunteer, you may get questions on various programs we offer throughout race weekend. Information on our Lactation and Medical Device Program can be found here.

Training Resources

At the B.A.A., we are committed to treating every person in our community with dignity, respect, and care. Volunteers play a powerful role in fostering a sense of belonging at our events. The resources below aim to equip B.A.A. volunteers with definitions, examples, and ways to mitigate unconscious bias. You represent the B.A.A. when serving in your volunteer role; please review these resources to prepare for your assignment.  

•  Implicit Bias Matters: Thinking Under the Influence
•  We all have implicit biases. So what can we do about it?

Interested in learning more about implicit/unconscious bias? More resources:  

• Running Industry Diversity Coalition: Grappling with Unconscious Bias
•  Harvard's Implicit Association Test