Allyson and I have been volunteering for races for many years including directing a few. From water stops at Marathons and 1/2 Marathons, to helping out at Run the Gates, and directing Jingle Bell races and the Looney Leprechaun. In addition to our experience most of the Speedsters that went down with us today have volunteered in some aspect, so I was confident our group was going to be able to help support the participating runners and make today an easier day on the race directors. What I didn't know was that we would be treated like garbage and taken advantage of.
The race is so large that they have a force of paid employees that are expected to put the obstacles together and tear down. But, for some reason our group had to help tear down huge obstacles and load them onto a flat bed truck. This wouldn't have been horrible if this was the end of our day. Once we got the truck loaded we had to climb up and ride back with the unsupported parts of the once up and over obstacle that we manned earlier. I was okay with this for myself, but I was concerned for the Lady Speedsters and the One Arm Wonder (Harris). Once we got back to the start location we were ordered, not asked to help out in other areas.
At this point some of our group had it and slipped out, but for those of us with more patience we went on to help out at gear check. This was fun for the first hour, but once we realized that the other volunteers (non-speedsters) in that area slipped out the back and left us running everything without a single break (This reminded me of those situations you hear about in restaurants, where once the dinner bill comes the guest each take turns excusing themselves to restrooms, but don't return to pay the bill). We did eventually have warm waters brought to us and offered our hundredth PB & J sandwich. We then were asked to again break down so the paid employees didn't have to stay late (seriously I heard the one race director say this to his employee). At this point we all had had enough, so we cleaned up our area and called it a day.
I have always enjoyed volunteering, as an avid runner its always good to take a break from racing and support others. This volunteer situation was the first bad experience and one that I won't quickly forget. We had to be up at 3:30 AM to be at the race site by 5:30 AM. We worked till 12:30 and got home close to 2:00. Now I'm hoping to sneak a nap in.
Till we run into each other again...
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