Please note, on race day, Padre Drive from just south of the VFW hall/parking lot to SW Military Drive will be fully closed at 8:30am. Road closures will begin at 8:15am. Cars exiting onto Padre Drive from SW Military after 8:15am will still be able to access Mission County Park but will be rerouted to VFW Blvd. Please plan to arrive at the park before 8:15am.
Group leads are highly encouraged to attend the walkthrough the weekend before the race. Background checks are required for people 18 or older. All volunteers, regardless of age are required to submit the 5K Volunteer Application.
Check-in time: 8:15am
Shift ends: Approximately 10:15am
The Back Pack functions as what is traditionally called the sweep, a group that acts as the tail end of a race. This group will follow the last wave out at the start, and be the very last 5K participants to cross the finish line. As such, they will be responsible for: towing the small wagon with water, ice packs, and first aid kit, ensuring all other 5K participants are also safely making their way to the finish line, cheering on and motivating the 5K participants they are following, and informing the Midway Inspirational Crew & Water Stop teams that they can break down their area and make their way back to Race Village. Cyclists who are comfortable towing a bicycle buggy on the course are encouraged to volunteer.
Check-in time: 8:00am
Shift ends: When event ends, roughly 11:00am
You will be stationed along the route where roads are barricaded/closed. Your role is to ensure runners follow the course safely. Direct participants along the race route, warn participants of hazards, have participants and volunteers make way for competitive runners, and enforce race rules. Cyclists who are comfortable leading runners on the course are highly encouraged to volunteer.
Check-in time: 7:00am
Shift ends: When event ends, roughly 11:00am
Your role will help monitor recycling and trash containers, monitor bathroom cleanliness, and ensure the park and race route are kept clean & litter-free during the event. Volunteer areas: race village, main parking area, and race route (walks with the Back Pack crew).
Check-in time: 8:00am
Shift ends: When the last person crosses the finish line (approximately 10:15am).
Finish Line volunteers have several responsibilities: 1) Set up and distribute post-race food and water to race participants; 2) Ensure the safety of runners and observers by keeping the race chute clear; 3) Clear up Finish Line area once the race has finished.
- Midway Inspirational Crew:
Check-in time: 8:00am, to be at the turnaround when the race begins at 9:00am.
Shift ends: When the Back Pack comes by with the final runners (approximately 10:15am).
Midway Inspirational Crew members have TWO important duties: Ensure 5k race participants stay safely on course at the turnaround point and keep participants motivated and moving. Be creative! You can make and bring your own inspirational poster boards, paint your faces, or dress up as your favorite superhero. Cheering, laughing, and jumping with excitement is highly encouraged - anything to bring a smile to the runners' faces!
Check-in time: 6:00am
Shift ends: Roughly 10:00am
Your role is to ensure everyone is safe by directing traffic & guiding guests to designated parking areas - Race Village, VFW, Mission County Park #2, and Midway Turnaround. Enforce parking rules and direct Race Route, Water Stop, and Midway Turnaround volunteers to their designated parking areas. Volunteers with experience in this role would be highly appreciated.
Check-in time: 7:45am, to be fully set up at the stop when the race begins at 9:00am.
Shift ends: When the Back Pack comes by with the final runners (approximately 10:15am).
This team is responsible for making sure thirsty runners are hydrated! Your role will be to set up the materials at the water stop, fill water cups in preparation for runners, distribute them as needed, clean up the area and trail around the stop, and tear the materials down.
Check-in time: 8:15am, with time for dispersal along the route, to line the full 1.5 miles along the out-and-back route.
Shift ends: After final runners finish (approximately 10:15 am).
As a Race Route Champion, YOU are the cheerleader for our 5k participants. Your goal is to create an ultra-positive, motivating, and special experience for everyone running, walking or skipping their way to the finish line. Everyone deserves encouragement on race day. This is your chance to create a special moment for someone they will remember for the rest of their lives. Race Route Champions are encouraged to create inspiring posters, special cheers, dress in a theme (disco, superhero, Fiesta, etc.), or play music (age-appropriate please) on your own Bluetooth speaker. Race Route Champion areas: Race Village (start/finish), VFW, Mission County Park #2, Water Stop area, and Mission Parkway.
- Set-up Crew & Race Village Support:
Check-in time: 5:30am
Shift ends: Approximately 9:30am
The set-up crew is key to getting the event off to a smooth start. Activities include unloading the U-Haul, setting up tents and other materials in the Star Power Zone, organizing booths and team tables, and hanging signs. After set-up, volunteers will help direct race participants and families around the area and answer questions.
Check-in time: 7:00am
Shift ends: Approximately 10:00am
This is where all participants and family members can get ready to celebrate the day! Areas within the Zone include Hair Stop, Cheer Gear, Attitude of Gratitude, Selfie Station, Bling Your Bib, Bracelet Making, and more. Zone opens at 7:30am and may remain open until the medal ceremony, when tear down of your station begins.
Check-in time: 10:00am
Shift ends: When U-Haul is unloaded at storage and at GOTRBC office, approximately 12:00pm.
The tear-down crew disassembles bistro tables, packs up boxes, takes down flyers/posters, loads the U-Haul, and then follows the U-Haul and staff to the GOTRBC storage facility and GOTRBC office, where they help unload the materials.