Medical Volunteer @ a Marathon

runsalot · Apr 16, 2013

Yes. Most local races need volunteers of all sorts. Medical and non medical. They normally list their volunteer needs on their websites under volunteer. Great thing to do. I try and volunteer at at least one race per year. I have done 5 marathons, and I just love runners and the whole running community But think local. You don't have to go far to do this. Or go to a big race.

PacoUSA, BSN, RN · Apr 16, 2013

Yes. Most local races need volunteers of all sorts. Medical and non medical. They normally list their volunteer needs on their websites under volunteer. Great thing to do. I try and volunteer at at least one race per year. I have done 5 marathons, and I just love runners and the whole running community But think local. You don't have to go far to do this. Or go to a big race.

Thanks for your reply! The NYC Marathon is the closest to me, so I was hoping I would start with that one. The Brooklyn Half is in a month but I will be working that day

runsalot · Apr 17, 2013

If you want to volunteer with one as big as NYC marathon, contact them early. Their slots for volunteers will fill up quick. People volunteer at that race in order to be able to run it in the future.

CountyRat · Apr 17, 2013

I have enjoyed many volunteer opportunities by joining my local Medical Reserve Corps. I am sure that you have seen the horrible videos taken in Boston. You might have noticed that some of the people running INTO the disaster field wore white jackets with blue sleeves and baseball caps. Those were Boston Medical Reserve Corps volunteers, and most of them were nurses. My unit also responds to weather emergencies (shelter management) epidemic disease (public H1N1 influenza vaccination clinics) and we have been trained for pandemic disease and biological, radiological, and nuclear responses. You will never make a dime of course, but you will get to work with some of the finest colleagues you will ever meet.

If any of the above sounds interesting, check this out: https://www.medicalreservecorps.gov/HomePage

JustBeachyNurse, LPN · Apr 17, 2013

My state runs medical reserve at the county level.

NY roadrunner volunteers, (and I'm sure other groups that run major races) even medical, get credits toward eligibility for priority registration for the following year. Sometimes the most coveted spots such as medical tent can fill a year in advance. So be prepared that you may be asked to work in a non medical capacity as I suspect post Boston there may be a deluge of interested volunteers just like post 9/11/01 and the recent major hurricanes.

RileyPuggle · Apr 17, 2013

I've been a volunteer for the NYC Marathon for over 20 years. I work the elite finish line. There are medical tents set up there. When the runner's come through the chutes, medical personnel are there to access them and, if necessary, take them to be evaluated and treated at the tent. I think it's a great idea for you to try. You get a cute jacket too!

CountyRat · Apr 17, 2013

Not to belabor the point, but my county MRC team leader just sent athe link that follows, which some may find interesting:

Medical Reserve Corps aided injured after Boston Marathon attacks

RileyPuggle · Apr 17, 2013

CountyRat - I contacted my local MRC to join about two weeks ago. I know some people who belong and love it. I'm still waiting to hear but I think my local MRC is not very active

CountyRat · Apr 17, 2013

CountyRat - I contacted my local MRC to join about two weeks ago. I know some people who belong and love it. I'm still waiting to hear but I think my local MRC is not very active

Maybe you are the volunteer who will change that.

Butterfly6890 · Apr 20, 2013

He's been caught!

PacoUSA, BSN, RN · Oct 17, 2013

UPDATE: I signed up and am all set to volunteer on the medical team at this year's NYC Marathon. Very excited! As of Oct 10 they were still looking for volunteers so I don't believe this is a high demand opportunity that closes out quickly. Glad I am able to be a part of it though!