Thank you for your interest in volunteering. The Minneapolis Marathon is coming up quickly, and we know we'll need a lot of volunteers to help us make it the best Marathon yet!

We believe that you will find the opportunity very rewarding as you help others achieve their goals. Please carefully review the volunteer descriptions and note any required qualifications for the area you wish to volunteer. Then register as a volunteer and choose the job(s) you want to work through our new registration system. 

Minneapolis Marathon Volunteer Registration & Job Selection

Team Ortho offers an incentive program where volunteers will receive a certain number of bones per hour they volunteer.  Bones are redeemable for gear and race entries.  Check out our Bones Incentive Program for more information. 

Our volunteer page always has a summary of all our volunteer opportunities year 'round.  

Minneapolis Marathon Pre-Race Prep Opportunities

• Medal/Award Prep
Thursday May 27, 2010 5:00 – 8:00 p.m., Team Ortho Office
We will form one or two groups to help us prepare the "Minneapolis Marathon" race medals for participants. This includes: unwrapping them, attaching them to the lanyard, and organizing them for distribution. Volunteers may be asked to do additional duties as they come up in order to fulfill the shift and race preparation needs.

• Race Packet Prep
Saturday, May 22, 2010 2:00 – 6:00 p.m, Team Ortho Office
We will be forming two or three groups to help prepare the packets for the racers. Volunteers may be asked to do additional duties to help us prepare for the race upon request.

• Race Supply Prep
Saturday, May 22, 2010 2:00 – 6:00 p.m. Team Ortho Storage Facility
We will need a group of volunteers to help us prepare our race supplies and load them into trailers. This will require cleaning, organizing, and lifting.

Minneapolis Marathon Packet Pick-up Event Opportunities

Saturday June 5, 2010 10:00 – 8:00 p.m., The Depot Hotel, Minneapolis

• Information Booth (18 and Older Only)
Like race day, we will have a designated booth where runners and volunteers can get answers to their many questions at the packet pick up the day before the event. This booth will have course maps, parking information, lost and found, and any other miscellaneous information needed. A person who communicates well and has worked at a Team Ortho race in the past would be a great candidate for one of these volunteer opportunities.
o Shift 1: 9:30-1:30 p.m.
o Shift 2: 1:00-5:00p.m.
o Shift 3: 4:30-8:30 p.m.

• Photographers (18 and Older Only)
If you are someone who has an eye for good picture opportunities and is willing to help in other various ways, we would love your talents as a volunteer. We are looking for some great candid shots to use for our own promotional pieces. The photographer would have to be willing to give up rights to the pictures to Team Ortho following the race. We are not looking for professional photographers just someone with beginning experience and their own camera to use. Photographers can either choose to download the pictures right away at the information booth just before the end of their shirt or they can turn in a CD of their pictures to the Team Ortho office by the Tuesday immediately following the race. To find information on how to get to the Team Ortho office you can check out our website at teamortho.us
o Shift 1: 10:00-2:00 p.m.
o Shift 2: 2:00-6:00 p.m.

• Registration/Packet Pick up
If you are a good communicator and work well with others this is your volunteer opportunity. Registration volunteers can expect to work one-on-one with the individual racers as they come in to pick-up their race numbers, packets, and promotional gear for participation. Runners almost always have questions and volunteers will need to be knowledge about race information. Volunteers may be asked to perform additional duties during down times
o Shift 1: 9:30-1:30 p.m.
o Shift 2: 1:00-5:00p.m.
o Shift 3: 4:30-8:30 p.m.

• Set Up (18 and Older Only)
The expo promises to be an event almost as big as the marathon. We will need a group of volunteers to help us set up tables and other equipment before the event starts. This position will require heavy lifting, knowledge of basic tools, and problem solving.
o Shift: 7:00-11:00 a.m.

• Tear Down (18 and Older Only)
The expo promises to be an event almost as big as the marathon. We will have a large set up that eventually needs to get taken down and prepped for the next days activities. We are looking for some volunteers who can assist us with moving tables and taking down equipment. This position will require heavy lifting, knowledge of basic tools, and problem solving.
o Shift: 6:00-11:00 p.m.

• Team Ortho Event Table (18 and Older Only)
We are looking for a few key volunteers to help us advertise some of our future races. Volunteer will have to be available to answer questions about our other races. Volunteers who are familiar with the Team Ortho Foundation Mission, have run some or all of our races, and/or are a committed Team Ortho volunteer will have preference for this volunteer opportunity. Volunteers may be asked to perform additional duties during down times
o Shift 1: 9:30-1:30 p.m.
o Shift 2: 1:00-5:00p.m.
o Shift 3: 4:30-8:30 p.m.

• Team Ortho Store (18 and Older Only)
Before the race we want to provide runners a place to purchase memorabilia and gear. We need volunteers to help us run the store by collecting money, bagging merchandise and offering suggestions and information to customers who want to purchase. Volunteers may be asked to perform additional duties during down times.
o Shift 1: 9:30-1:30 p.m.
o Shift 2: 1:00-5:00p.m.
o Shift 3: 4:30-8:30 p.m.

• Volunteer Tent
This area will serve as the main check in and check out location on packet pick up for volunteers. Volunteers for this area will need to be knowledgeable as a volunteer, meaning they have volunteered at least 3 to 4 times for Team Ortho. This group will assist volunteers with their needs, manage a hospitality area for volunteers. They will work directly with the Director of Volunteers to help ensure that all volunteers get to the correct locations and have the necessary equipment for their shift.
o Shift 1: 6:30 – 11:30 a.m.
o Shift 2: 11:00 – 4:00 p.m.
o Shift 3: 3:30 – 8:30 p.m.

Minneapolis Marathon Race Day Athlete Village Opportunities

Sunday, June 6, 2010, 7:00 a.m. Marathon & 1/2, 8:00 a.m. 5K

• 6 Hour Pace Group
This team will be responsible for pacing marathoners within the 6 hour course limit. Runners that are not able to keep on pace will be asked to get on the bus that will transport them back to the finish. This is a strenuous role and pacers will be expected to keep pace and do a sub 14 minute mile for 20 miles. Previous pacing experience is preferable.

• 5K Packet Pick-up
If you are a good communicator and work well with others this is your volunteer opportunity. Registration volunteers can expect to work one-on-one with the individual racers as they come in to pick-up their race numbers, packets, and promotional gear for participation. The whole process happens in a short amount of time so we need volunteers who are quick and knowledgeable. Volunteers may be asked to perform additional duties during down times.
o Shift: 6:00-11:00 a.m.

• Food Tent
Marathon runners get very hungry so this volunteer station is very important. Volunteers will serve food to athletes at the finish area. They will set-up, clean-up, and stock supplies as needed in this area. Volunteers may be asked to perform additional duties during down times.
o Shift 1: 7:00-12:00 p.m.
o Shift 2: 9:00-2:00 p.m.

• Gear & Bag Check
As runners prepare to compete in the race, many of them need a place to store their personal belongings and additional clothing not needed for the race. As a courtesy to our runners, we will offer them a place to check their belongings for the duration of the race. Volunteers will need to collect items into bags for the runners, attach designated race numbers for security reasons, sort the bags in preparation for pick-up, and than be ready to redistribute the proper items back in a timely manner following the race. Volunteers may be asked to perform additional duties during down times.
o Shift 1: 6:00-10:00 a.m.
o Shift 2: 9:00-2:00 p.m.

• Information Booth (18 and Older Only)
On race day we will have a designated booth where runners, volunteers, and spectators can get answers to their many questions. This booth will have course maps, directions, parking information, lost and found, and any other miscellaneous information needed. A person who communicates well and has worked at a Team Ortho race in the past would be a great candidate for one of these volunteer opportunities. Volunteers may be asked to perform additional duties during down times
o Shift 1: 6:00-10:00 a.m.
o Shift 2: 10:00-2:00 p.m.

• Photographers (18 and Older Only)
If you are someone who has an eye for good picture opportunities, we would love your talents as a volunteer. We are looking for some great candid shots to use for our own promotional pieces. The photographer would have to be willing to give up the rights to the pictures to Team Ortho following the race. We are not looking for professional photographers just someone with beginning experience and their own camera to use. Photographers can either choose to download the pictures right away at the information booth just before the end of their shift or they can turn in a CD of their pictures to the Team Ortho office by the Tuesday immediately following the race. To find information on how to get to the Team Ortho office you can check out our website at teamortho.us.
o Shift 1: 6:00-10:00 a.m.
o Shift 2: 10:00-2:00 p.m.

• Crowd Control (18 and Older Only)
This group will help us in various ways, mostly by standing in strategic locations to guide runners to where they need to go. We are asking that members of this group be comfortable communicating with the runners and comfortable using a megaphone. Volunteers may be asked to perform additional duties during down times

o Shift 1: 6:00-11:00 a.m.
o Shift 2: 8:30-1:30 p.m.

• Set Up (18 and Older Only)
If you don't mind getting your hands dirty this might be the volunteer opportunity for you. Volunteers for the set-up crew will assist in setting up tables, tents, banners, flags, and other equipment. This position will require heavy lifting, knowledge of basic tools, and problem solving.
o Shift: 4:00-9:00 a.m.

• Tear Down (18 and Older Only)
Everything that goes up must come back down. Responsibilities for the tear down crew will be the opposite of the set-up crew. They will be taking down tables, tents, banners, flags, cones and other equipment. This position will require heavy lifting, knowledge of basic tools, and problem solving.
o Shift: 1:00-5:00 p.m.

• Volunteer Tent
This area will serve as the main check in and check out location on race day for volunteers. Volunteers for this area will need to be knowledgeable as a volunteer, meaning they have volunteered at least 3 to 4 times for Team Ortho. This group will assist volunteers with their needs, manage a hospitality area for volunteers. They will work directly with the Director of Volunteers to help ensure that all volunteers get to the correct locations and have the necessary equipment for their shift.
o Shift 1: 5:00-10:00 a.m.
o Shift 2: 10:00-3:00 p.m.

Minneapolis Marathon Race Course Opportunities

Saturday June 6, 2010

• Course Marshals *Time & Location TBD
The primary role of a course marshal is to "point" the runners in the proper direction and to ensure athletes stay on the designated race course. Volunteers will be stationed at a turn, corner, or intersection. Major intersections will have police support to direct vehicular traffic. Course marshals will be required to attend a meeting prior to the race. Times and Locations will be finalized after we have all the volunteers and have accessed the needs on the course. The times listed are the range in which your shift will be confirmed.
o Shift Range: 6:00-2:00 p.m.

• Cyclists *Time & Location TBD (18 and Older Only)
Cyclists are responsible to provide assistance and direction on the marathon course. We will need a lead cyclist for the top runners of the marathon We will also need messengers to run various materials to different spots on the course. All volunteers must provide their own bike. They will also be required to attend a meeting prior to the race to receive instructions for race day. Times and Locations will be finalized after we have all the volunteers and have accessed the needs on the course. The times listed are the range in which your shift will be confirmed.

o Shift Range: 6:00-2:00 p.m.

• SAG Wagon/Bus *Time & Location TBD (18 and Older Only)
The SAG wagon picks up athletes that have dropped out of the race and need a ride to the finish. Knowledge of the course is recommended for this position as well as Commerical Driver's License (CDL) for driving a bus. Times and locations will be confirmed through email.
o Shift Range: 6:00-2:00 p.m.

• Set Up (18 and Older Only)
We need volunteers to help us prepare the course for runners. They will place cones, banners, tables at water stops, signs, and other things necessary for us to ensure a successful race for all runners. Because the marathon starts at 7:00 a.m. in the morning this is an extremely early shift. Please take note of the time and don't forget to set your alarm. Heavy lifting, knowledge of basic tools, and problem solving are required for this shift.
o Shift: 3:00-8:00 a.m.

• Tear Down (18 and Older Only)
After the race is completed we will need a group of volunteers to help us clear the course of banners, cones, flags, tables, etc. in a timely manner. Heavy lifting, knowledge of basic tools, and problem solving are required.
o Shift: 1:00-6:00 p.m.

Finish/Start Line Opportunities
Saturday June 6, 2010

• Awards/Timing (18 and Older Only)
These volunteers will be working closely with race personnel at the finish line to help manage the awards and timing processes. Volunteers may be asked to perform additional duties during down times
o Shift: 8:00-1:00 p.m.

• Finish Medals
Finish Medals will be awarded to all runners who finish the race. We will need a team to help us organize and distribute the medals. They will also need to be prepared to help cheer on runners and help them at the end with assistance. This position will also require setting up the area and cleaning up the area. Volunteers may be asked to perform additional duties during down times

o Shift 1: 8:00-1:00 p.m.
o Shift 2: 9:00-2:00 p.m.

• Set Up (18 and Older Only)
We need a crew to help us set up the start and finish lines before the race. This crew will also help assist with tearing down the start line after the three races have successfully started. This position will require heavy lifting, knowledge of basic tools, and problem solving.

o Shift: 5:00-10:00 a.m.

• Tear Down (18 and Older Only)
We need a crew to help us tear down the finish areas. This crew will be responsible for loading our trucks, disassembling flags and banners. There will be a wide variety of things that will need to be cleaned up and we are asking that volunteers in this area be flexible with duties that would come up. This position will require heavy lifting, knowledge of basic tools, and problem solving.
o Shift: 12:00-5:00 p.m.

Water Stops: Time & Location TBD
Shift Range: 6:00-2:00 p.m. (Groups of All Ages Welcome w/supervisor)
If you have an organization that is interested in hosting a water stop for the Minneapolis Marathon Contact Us and click on "volunteering" in the dropdown. The group should have a minimum of 15 volunteers. This type of volunteer position is currently only open to groups and requires an access code for registration.

Certified Medical Volunteers: Time & Location TBD
Shift Range: 6:00-2:00 p.m. (18 and Older Only)
Anyone who is registering to help as a certified medical volunteer must have a current medical license in the practicing field. This group should choose the Medical Volunteer Field when beginning the registration process. Anyone who does not have certifications and registers under this category will not be contacted for race day positions. If you do not have certifications please register as a general volunteer.

Medical Certification is required to volunteer in this category. All medical volunteers are required to attend at least one pre-race meeting. Times and locations for shifts and meetings will be announced as soon as the information is available. The time you see listed for this shift is the range of time in which your particular shift should fall.

Minneapolis Marathon Volunteer Registration & Job Selection 

Additional Volunteer Information:

* If you have any questions regarding volunteering for the Minneapolis Marathon, please Contact Us and go to "volunteering" on the drop down menu.
* All volunteers are eligible for volunteer bones. Read more about our Bones Incentive Program.
* Each volunteer must register individually.
*Groups that recruit 15+ volunteers will be listed as a title sponsor of the event.
* You may sign up for multiple shifts as long as they don't require the same time frame.
* Volunteer shifts are generally 4 to 5 hours of time

After you register you will be contacted to confirm your availability. Your race-day Volunteer Captain will contact you to provide you with the any final details.