Race and Marathon Volunteer Training
Support runners safely from the start line to the finish — and every aid station between.
For: Event volunteers and coordinators
What you’ll learn
- Run aid stations and water stops smoothly
- Keep the course and runners safe
- Spot and respond to runners in distress
- Direct runners and keep the finish chute flowing
Screen your volunteers for $5
VolunteerBadge runs FCRA-compliant background checks for just $5 — with identity verification built in. No monthly fees, no contracts.
Create a free account →Course outline
- 1
Race day from the inside: roles & the timeline
5 min
- 2
Packet pickup & the pre-race expo
4 min
- 3
Course marshal: directing runners & keeping the course safe
5 min
- 4
Aid station operations: water, cups & the handoff
6 min
- 5
Spotting a runner in distress & getting medical help
6 min
- 6
Cheering, encouragement & the finish-line experience
4 min
- 7
Weather, the back of the pack & putting it together
5 min
Sources & further reading
- Road Runners Club of America (RRCA) — Safe Event Guidelines for race directors and volunteers
- Running USA — How to Design Your Finish Line Area
- American College of Cardiology — What to Watch for in the Medical Tents: Non-Cardiac Emergencies in Race Medicine
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC/NIOSH) — Heat-related Illnesses — signs and what to do
- New York Road Runners (NYRR) — TCS New York City Marathon — Volunteer Roles
This course is educational and provides general information about the Fair Credit Reporting Act and volunteer-screening best practices. It is not legal advice. Laws vary by state and change over time — consult a qualified attorney about your organization’s specific obligations.