Volunteer – Run Waterloo

We are always looking for enthusiastic individuals, teams, and corporate groups who are looking to build their community through Run Waterloo events!

Run Waterloo is a non-profit that depends on hundreds of volunteers and thousands of volunteer hours each year. Whether you’re looking to connect with the community, for personal satisfaction and motivation, to cheer on your friends and family, or for free food, a t-shirt, and race entry credits to future events (!), we want to get YOU involved.

Scroll down for the three sections of information:

VolRUNteer program signup
VolRUNteer Program Information
How to sign up to volunteer Slots through Race Roster

VolRUNteer Signup

VolRUNteer Program Information

This recognition program gives back to the volunteers who have given so much to the community, since 2023. Every VolRUNteer Slot is rewarded with entry credits to future races!

What it is

A VolRUNteer Slot is an event role, usually at the event and usually about 2-4 hours, with online support and at-event training
A Credit is for 50% off the entry fee to an upcoming Run Waterloo race
One Slot = One Credit!

How it works
There are four steps towards earning and using credits through the Race Crew:

Signup for VolRUNteer (below) to register and enable infrequent emails specifically for VolRUNteer updates and opportunities
Register for Slots on any given Race Roster page
At your Slot, have a great time and help make the event a success!
After the race, email [email protected] to redeem the Credit as a promo code to a future race

Some finer print
Eligibility and Signing Up

There is no comprehensive list of volunteer opportunities available. Visit any desired Race Roster page (sorted by date) to see what Slots are available.
Opportunities are limited and filled on a first-come basis.
If no positions are currently available, you will still be able to sign up in Race Roster, and Run Waterloo will contact you as needed.
Online volunteer registration closes before race day. VolRUNteer positions are only available through Race Roster.
This only applies to unaffiliated volunteers (not to volunteers who are participating through arranged roles with groups such as track clubs and service clubs).

Using Credits

Credits are valid for 2 years from the Slot date before they expire.
Credits are only for the individual and are not transferrable.
Credits can be stacked: save up two Credits for one free (100%) entry.
Credits only cover the entry fee portion, not any swag purchases.

How to sign up to volunteer Slots through Race Roster

On any Run Waterloo registration page on Race Roster (find them all here), find the “Volunteer” button on the left menu.

From there, complete the form, including contact information, waiver, and a selection for position. If you don’t have a preference or if no spots are available, choose the last/only option to get on the list, and Run Waterloo will contact you to arrange any available position.

Once you have signed up, you will receive an automatic confirmation from Race Roster, followed by a greeting from Run Waterloo with details about what to expect, where and when to show up, and answering any questions you have. (Don’t hesitate to reach out to [email protected] in the mean-time.) You DON’t need to be a VolRUNteer to sign up, all spots are open to everyone.

Typical Volunteer Opportunities

VolRUNteer Slots
Race weekend roles. Minimal to no preparation, on-site training, in typically 2-4 hour windows.

Course Marshal: an individual located on course, directing runners
Water Station Crew: a team located on course, providing water to participants
Start/Finish Line Crew: a team unpacking and setting up or tearing down and packing equipment and signage
Food Crew: a team preparing and serving various food products, for example fruit and bagels
Registration Crew: a team providing participant kits (bibs and swag) and processing new registrations, where applicable
Notice to Resident Delivery: an individual delivering paper notices to mailboxes on a designated route (usually more than one week ahead of race day)
Other assorted positions based on event

Other Volunteer Roles
The majority of our volunteers are VolRUNteers, but there are additional ways to make valuable contributions. In addition to or instead of VolRUNteer, we also have dozens of individuals who have leadership and customized positions.

At home roles: we have a diverse team of online volunteers doing custom projects to fit your goals and skills. What are you interested in, and do you see a fit with Run Waterloo? We would love to hear from you.
At event leadership roles with our Race Crew: we have a strong group who take volunteering to the next level by accepting leadership roles. For example, some VolRUNteer Slots are for Registration Assistant, who works with Carol Stewart, our Registration Coordinator. We are looking to add more people to our Race Crew who can plan in the weeks leading up to a race (including contacting VolRUNteers), commit to at least 5 races in a calendar year, and are interested in coordinating VolRUNteers on race day. We are looking to add Coordinators for functions like Water, Food, and Finish Line to our team.