Join the STIM Volunteer Team!
Are you ready to be a part of something truly extraordinary? We invite you to join our team of volunteers for the upcoming South Texas International Marathon event! If you’re passionate about lending a helping hand, this is your chance to make a meaningful impact and be an essential part of an incredible experience.
Our marathon will rely on the invaluable support and assistance of volunteers like you to ensure a smooth and memorable event for participants, spectators, and the entire community. From the thrilling Start line to the exhilarating Finish line, there are countless opportunities for you to contribute and be an integral part of this remarkable journey. (See roles below)
No prior experience is necessary to join our team—just bring your passion, positive energy, and a willingness to make a difference. We value every volunteer’s unique skills and contributions, ensuring that this experience will not only be rewarding but also a chance for personal growth and connection with like-minded individuals.
In return for your invaluable support, we offer a memorable experience filled with camaraderie, gratitude, and a true sense of accomplishment. You will have the opportunity to be a part of an event that brings the community together, inspiring others to pursue their dreams, and showcases the remarkable spirit of human achievement.
Ready to be a part of this incredible journey? Sign up now to become a volunteer for our marathon! Together, we will create an unforgettable event that will leave a lasting impact on all those involved. Thank you for considering joining our team—we can’t wait to have you on board!
For more information or to sign up as a volunteer, please contact our Volunteer Coordinator at volunteers@stimarathon.com
Let’s make this marathon a resounding success together!
SOUTH TEXAS INTERNATIONAL MARATHON
VOLUNTEER ROLES
PRE-RACE
DRIVER
Drivers will assist the operations team in delivering and moving supplies to assigned locations on course. Based on your drivers qualification and skills you may be assigned to drive a car, van, SUV, pick-up etc. as required.
SUPPLIES Prepare, organize and clean course supplies such as cones, banners, safety vests and setting up equipment during race week and event day.
MOVING SUPPLIES
Requires being physically capable of lifting up 35-50lbs, working outdoors, having a driver’s license, and the desire to commit to being a part of the operational backbone of the South Texas International Marathon. Ability to work in a team environment and be supportive of the operational team, be motivated and patient. One of the most important expectations for this role is being excited to support all the volunteers and participants on event week to make one of the largest marathons & relays in South Texas a great success.
EXPO – FRIDAY-SUNDAY, DECEMBER 1-3
CAPTAIN
A Captain is the leader of a team of volunteers. As a Captain you will be taking on a leadership role and required to oversee several key responsibilities as you will be a leader of a group. Captains are responsible for recruiting other volunteers, and identifying an assistant captain within their teams who can help them in managing the group. In addition to attending all mandatory training sessions, learn the course route and be familiar with the proper coordination and management of their specific stations and zones as assigned. Captains pick up supplies and equipment necessary for their teams to do their job and also make sure that the team of volunteers they are in charge of are well looked after and provided with snacks and refreshments during the event.
VOLUNTEER CHECK-IN
Key responsibilities involve assisting the Volunteer Check-In Captain to check-in other volunteers and hand them their official Volunteer Event T-Shirt. This position might also be an information point for guests and runners at the Expo.
SET-UP CREW
You will assist the event organizers under the leadership of your Expo Coordinators and Captains in setting up various stations and equipment. Some of the set-up areas will include Exhibition Booths and Package Pick-up. Some areas will require lifting of equipment and materials such as tables and chairs, please make sure you are physically fit to lift some of the materials before registering and volunteering as set-up crew. We highly encourage and recommend groups and teams to assist as set-up volunteers.
INFORMATION AMBASSADOR
Your role is to provide support to the public, to participants, their friends and families, and even to other volunteers at the Expo. As an Information Ambassador at the Expo you will be greeting runners, guests and the general public, answering questions related to the Expo, races, related events, city and attractions, and providing directions within the Expo and the immediate surrounding area.
The race day schedule is hectic and busy. Three races will run concurrently – the Marathon, 2 Person and 5 Person Relay. Please ensure you know what time all the races and their locations of start or exchange locations are happening.
Please remember you are a representative of the South Texas International Marathon and need to ensure a safe and positive experience.
TRAFFIC COUNTER
Your role is to count guests entering the exhibition halls, and record this data using tools and equipment provided by organizers. Situate yourself in an inconspicuous location as to allow for full concentration on recording accurate attendance numbers.
PACKET PICK-UP
At Packet Pick-up you will provide runners with their bibs and runner’s bags, and remind runners to pick-up their race shirt at the exit of the Expo. Packet Pick-up volunteers will also greet the runners with friendly manners, answer race related questions and wish them a good race day.
COURSE MAP HOST
Your role is to provide detailed information about the courses of the various races being hosted on race weekend – the Marathon, 2 Person and 5 Person Relay and the 5K. Offer support to the public, participants, their friends and families, and even to other volunteers at the Expo and on Race Day. This may include anything from answering questions about the course routes, event maps, alternate driving routes, transit times to helping lost children. Please remember you are a representative of the South Texas International Marathon and need to ensure a positive experience.
T-SHIRT PICK-UP
T-Shirt Pickup is located at the Entrance of the Expo. After runners pick-up their bibs, they come to the T-Shirt counter to pick-up their tech race shirt, bib and ticket for bus transportation to the starting line. Check the back of their bib number to verify gender, size, and race. Hand-out the T-Shirt and mark the bib number to indicate the shirt has been picked up.
TRANSIT BIB PICKUP
Every Marathon or Relay member runner gets a BIB to use as a transportation ticket if needed. Mark the back of the bib to indicate the ticket has been picked up.
GREEN TEAM
You will assist the event organizers under the leadership of your Coordinators and Captains in dismantling and cleaning up the key Expo areas, Each volunteer will be tasked to help with organizing individual areas, removing signage, and collecting any recycling or garbage left behind. Some areas will require lifting of equipment and materials such as tables and chairs. Please make sure you are physically fit to lift some of the materials before registering and volunteering as a GREEN TEAM.
START LINE RACE DAY – SUNDAY, DECEMBER 3RD
CAPTAIN
A Captain is the leader of a team of volunteers. As a captain you will be taking on a leadership role and required to oversee several key responsibilities as you will be a leader of a group. Captains are responsible for recruiting other volunteers, identifying assistant captains within their teams who can help them in managing the group. In addition to attending all mandatory training sessions, learn the course route and be familiar with the proper coordination and management of their specific stations and zones as assigned. Captains pick up supplies and equipment necessary for their teams to do their job and also make sure that the team of volunteers they are in charge of are well looked after and provided with snacks and refreshments during the event.
VOLUNTEER CHECK-IN
Assist Volunteer Check-In Captain to check-in other volunteers and hand them their official Volunteer Event T-Shirt. This position might also be an information point for guests and runners at the Start Line.
SET-UP CREW
You will assist the event organizers under the leadership of your Captain in setting up various stations and equipment at the Start. Some of the places will include preparing and setting up the fence, tables, barriers and tents. Some areas will require lifting of equipment and materials, please make sure you are physically fit to lift some of the materials before registering and volunteering as set-up crew.
INFORMATION AMBASSADOR
Your main role is to provide support to participants, their friends and families and even to other volunteers on Race Day. This may include anything from answering questions to providing directions to helping lost and found children.
The Race Day schedule is hectic and busy. Three races will run concurrently – the Marathon, 2 Person Relay and 5 Person Relay and a 5K on Saturday. Information Ambassadors will be present at the Start and Finish areas in order to answer questions from the public and generally guide participants and spectators as required.
GEAR CHECK
Your role is to assist runners as they check their gear at the Start Line. Ensure all runners belongings are placed in the clear bags provided, and secured with a zip tie. Bags are to be labeled with runners bib tags.
CORRAL MARSHAL
Key responsibilities will include being a marshal for the Marathon and Relay runners by dividing each start corral in groups while standing in between the marked areas in front of the participants, and making sure the participants are staying behind the rope.
RELAY START: BUS TRANSPORTATION
This is the Gear Check and shuttle/bus pickup-point for all relay runners. Relay runners can check their gear and take a shuttle/bus to their exchange position. Your role is to make sure every runner gets onto the right bus and checks their relay gear correctly.
ON COURSE
CAPTAIN A Captain is the leader of a team of volunteers. As a captain you will be taking on a leadership role and required to oversee several key responsibilities as you will be a leader of a group. Captains are responsible for recruiting other volunteers, identifying assistant captains within their teams who can help them in managing the group. In addition to attending all mandatory training sessions, learn the course route and be familiar with the proper coordination and management of their specific stations and zones as assigned. Captains pick up supplies and equipment necessary for their teams to do their job and also make sure that the team of volunteers they are in charge of are well looked after and provided with snacks and refreshments during the event.
WATER STATION Water Stations are located at regular intervals along the course. Your role is to set up the water station as per your Captain’s instructions, prepare water, electrolyte drink, and gels, if applicable, before the runners arrive, hand out water, electrolyte drinks, or gels to participants and clean-up the station before leaving. It is the responsibility of volunteers to guide the runners as they come through the water station in order to ensure a seamless movement of all participants.
MARSHAL Most of our participants are not familiar with all of the streets in the Mid-Valle. the course is set on. For this reason, it is important to have volunteers direct the runners. Course Marshals provide directions to participants and are also our primary cheerleaders and motivators. Many participants will finish or will have run faster purely from the encouragement given by an enthusiastic marshal on the course.
RELAY EXCHANGE ZONES Most of our participants are not familiar with all of the Relay Stations and the streets in Mid-Valley that our course travels on. For this reason, it is important to have relay volunteers direct the runners. Volunteers at Relay Stations are also our primary cheerleaders and motivators.
Your role is to assist with set -up of the Relay Exchange Zone equipment and supplies, assisting and directing runners as they exchange the ankle bracelet with their teammates and dismantling the station once the event is finished.
MEDICAL STATION There are several medical stations on course located near water stations. Additionally there is a Medical Headquarter located at the finish line. Each course medical station is numbered and supplies housed in a portable storage unit. Each medical station is completely self-contained & managed by qualified medical volunteers.
ENTERTAINMENT STATION There will be bands and music groups on course at entertainment stations. All of the on course entertainment will be there for runners and spectators to enjoy free of charge! Each entertainment station is completely self-managed by bands and music groups.
CYCLIST Cyclists are essentially the “eyes and ears” of the race and an incredible resource to runners, volunteers, officials and spectators. They act as guides for the participants, alert start and finish officials on race progress, assist course marshal volunteers and water stations on course during the race. Cyclists also monitor course conditions including making sure the integrity of the course signage and security is maintained throughout the marathon event. Please note: as a Cyclist for the event, you must provide and use your own bicycle.
DRIVER There are several options for drivers to choose from to assist the operations team in delivering and moving supplies. Based on your drivers qualification and skills you may be assigned to drive a car, van, SUV, pick-up or large truck. Some
duties and responsibilities may include providing updates to course operations, ensuring integrity of the course for runners, officials and volunteers.
5K & KIDS RUN – SATURDAY, DECEMBER 2ND
KIDS RUN
The Kids Run takes place at the Harlingen Convention Center on the Saturday of race weekend. All Kids Race Volunteers participate with setup and tear down. Set up tables, food, water, tents and signs. Assist in being a marshal. Accompany kids to the start line and act as a cheerleader and motivator.
FINISH AREA
Participants will move across the Finish Line on Race Day into an enclosed runners compound area. It is essential that these people are making a timely and safe progression through the Finish Line towards the Champions Alley Festival. Be respectful, be noticed, be visible, be encouraging and & FUN!
It is important to have volunteers direct the runners, especially if they appear to be confused. Other roles include being our primary cheerleaders and motivators. Many participants have had a good day purely from the encouragement given by enthusiastic volunteers at the Finish. Provide simple instructions stated firmly and loudly to instruct runners “GREAT JOB runners! This way!” while indicating with exaggerated arm movement the direction they must take. Marshals must not be shy.
CAPTAIN
A Captain is the leader of a team of volunteers. As a Captain, you will be taking on a leadership role and required to oversee several key responsibilities as you will be a leader of a group. Captains are responsible for recruiting other volunteers and identifying assistant captains within their teams who can help them in managing the group. In addition to attending all mandatory training sessions, learn the course route and be familiar with the proper coordination and management of their specific stations and zones as assigned. Captains pick up supplies and equipment necessary for their teams to do their job and also make sure that the team of volunteers they are in charge of are well looked after and provided with snacks and refreshments during the event.
VOLUNTEER CHECK-IN
Assist Volunteer Check-In Captain to check-in other volunteers and hand them their official Event Volunteer T-Shirt. This position might also be an information point for guests and runners at the Finish Line.
SET-UP CREW
You will assist the event organizers under the leadership of your Finish Zone Leader and Captain in setting up various stations and equipment. Some of the set-up areas will include Finish Line, Signage, Medals, Gear Pick-up, Festival, Food and Water. Some areas will require lifting of equipment and materials such as tables and chairs, please make sure you are physically fit to lift some of the materials before registering and volunteering as set-up crew. We highly encourage and recommend groups and teams to assist the as set-up volunteers since we need the biggest help with setting up the Finish Area on Saturday.
INFORMATION AMBASSADOR
The main role is to provide support to participants, their friends and families and even to other volunteers on Race Day. This may include anything from answering questions to providing directions to helping lost and found children.
The Race Day schedule is hectic and busy. Three races will run concurrently – the Marathon, 2 Person Relay and 5 Person Relay. Information Ambassadors will be present at the Start and Finish areas in order to answer questions from the public and generally guide participants and spectators as required.
GEAR PICKUP
Volunteers at the Gear Pickup will assist in organizing the gear check bags according to bib number as per your Captain’s instructions. This must be done before runners begin to arrive at the Finish Line. Once runners begin to arrive, your role will be to collect runners’ bags by matching the number attached to the bag to the number of their bib. All runners must collect their own gear check bags.
Runners should be encouraged to use the recycling stations to discard any unwanted items.
MEDALS
Your role will include assisting with setting up medals at the finish line, handing out medals to participants when they cross the finish line and directing runners towards the food and medical service as needed.
There are three events during Race Day – the Marathon, 2 Person Relay and 5 Person Relay. Each participant will receive a medal.
FINISH FOOD SET-UP + HAND-OUT
Make it as easy as possible for runners to grab their food. It is important to remember that at the peak of the finish we will have a lot of participants crossing the line every minute. It is important that participants receive their food and then leave the finish shoot as efficiently as possible. Please pick up wrapping paper, garbage or plastic cups to have an organized and clean food area at all times.
BOTTLED WATER HANDOUT
The primary responsibility is to make sure that all runners crossing the finish line are given bottles of water to hydrate and quench their thirst after finishing the race.
RESULTS AREA
The Results Area will be located by the Champions Alley Festival. Set up tents, tablets and whatever else is needed. Use IPad’s for each participant, type in their bib number to locate their results. Direct the runners to the Information Booth next to you if they have any race-related questions you are unable to answer.
CLEAN-UP CREW
The primary responsibility of the clean up team is to make sure that the runners’ compound and Champions Alley Festival Finish Line are cleaned up after the even. Each volunteer will be provided with the tools to complete your duties and instructions from your Captain.