Additional Resources
Volunteers
Volunteer Information
Volunteers are essential in the success of any great event. They are vital in providing a safe, organized and fun race. It will take over 1,400 volunteers to ensure the safety, accuracy, fun and the highest level of organization necessary to produce the Chicago Half Marathon and 5K.
Volunteers are needed to help with the packet pick-up at the Expo, course monitors, distribute water at the aid stations, handout finishers medals and in many other areas that make up the Chicago Half Marathon Race week-end. Volunteers must be at least 12 years of age.
Now is your chance to take part in welcoming all of the athletes that will be joining us for this amazing world class event. All volunteers will receive a Race Crew T-Shirt and Goodie Bag.
For more information send email to thevolunteer coordinator.
Click here to register as a volunteer!
Volunteer Job Descriptions
Expo/Packet Pick-up Setup
Thursday, September 10 –
Help ready the Health & Fitness Expo for participants by preparing T-shirts, participant goodie bags and packets.
For more information or to sign up, send email to the volunteer coordinator.
Expo/Packet Pick-up Times
Friday, September 11– 9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
Friday, September 11 – 1:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m.
Saturday, September 12 – 8:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Saturday, September 12 – 1:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Be a part of the anticipation and excitement before the big race! Athletes pick up event information, race bib numbers and merchandise at our annual Health & Fitness Expo. Help ready this large event for participants by passing out t-shirts and race information or assisting in greeting people or providing directional assistance throughout the exhibit hall.
For more information or to sign up, send email to the volunteer coordinator.
Click here to register as a volunteer!
'Ask-Me' Assistant
Friday, September 11– 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
Friday, September 11 – 1:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m.
Saturday, September 12 – 8:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Saturday, September 12 – 1:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Sunday, September 13– 6:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Are you a person who always has the answers? Then this is the job for you! Help participants with questions and provide directional assistance on Race Day. Inquiring minds want to know and we need you to help us answer them!
For more information or to sign up, send email to the volunteer coordinator.
Click here to register as a volunteer!
Parking/Shuttle Bus Attendants
Sunday, September 13 –
Help direct participants before or after the race as they look to make their way to the start line or back to their car after the race.
For more information or to sign up, send email to the volunteer coordinator.
Click here to register as a volunteer!
Start Line Assistants
Sunday, September 13 –
Help prepare the starting line for all the participants, then help them get properly placed at their expected pace.
For more information or to sign up, send email to the volunteer coordinator.
Click here to register as a volunteer!
Finish Line/Runner Services
Sunday, September 13 –
Be the first to see the many walkers and runners as they come across the finish line. Be a part of the finish celebration! As they finish, we need your help to guide them through the following areas:
- Bottled Water Distribution: Hand the participants their much needed bottled water. They will be very appreciative!
- Medals: Reward the thousands of participants by giving them their hard earned medal
- Food Distribution: Help hand participants a much anticipated post-race snack of items such as banana, apple, bagel and cookies
- Participant Photos: Assist the participants in getting their pictures, so they can document their amazing achievement.
- Finish Line Assistant: Be there right in the heart of the action, helping keep the participants moving once they cross the finish line.
For more information or to sign up, send email to the volunteer coordinator.
Click here to register as a volunteer!
Rest and Recovery
Sunday, September 13 –
The Chicago Half Marathon doesn’t end when participants cross the finish line! It's just when the celebration begins! There's music, merchandise booths and areas for groups to reunite and enjoy the recent accomplishment. We need your help for Rest and Recovery in the following areas.
- Results Tent - Who doesn't want to know how they did as soon as they finish?! Give racers their unofficial results, post results when they become available and keep the participants moving in and out of the tent.
- Information Tent - Help track participants along the route for their friends or family and offer general information to inquiring minds.
For more information or to sign up, send email to the volunteer coordinator.
Click here to register as a volunteer!
Gear Check
Sunday, September 13 –
At Gear Check, you’ll be able to help participants keep tabs on their gear as they will drop it off at Gear Check before the start of the event and be able to pick it up there after they run.
For more information or to sign up, send email to the volunteer coordinator.
Click here to register as a volunteer!
Course Support
Help prepare the course and motivate the participants , ensuring it is ready to go as they. Be a part of the course in one of the following areas:
- Aid Station: Finishers cannot get enough water! Provide water for participants as they continue their rest and recovery.
- Course Marshal: Help direct participants, ensuring they run the proper route.
- Back of the Pack Crew: Motivate participants, helping them keep the 13 minute per mile pace. The Back of the Pack Crew will ensure participants maintain pace, helping Chicago Public Safety Agencies re-open the course on time.
Click here to register as a volunteer!
