Full Volunteer Descriptions:

• COURSE MARSHAL(1:30pm to 8:30pm) :Directing runners and keeping them safe along the course is key.
  
  • Responsibilities include standing at junction points along the race path to cheer and direct runners, stop pedestrians from entering course, clean up signs/route markers, trash post race. No special skills needed. Standing for long periods of time is required.
  • Time commitment: 1:30pm to 8:30pm
• EQUIPMENT SET-UP (9:00am to 12:00pm):
  • Carry and set up ~8'x3' tables, set up banners, fill/carry water jugs, place signage, set up fencing. Manual labor required including lifting up to 30lbs.
  • Time commitment: 9:00am to 12:00pm  
• FINISH LINE MEDALS (1:30pm to 8:30pm):
  • Our runners deserve something special to commemorate their completion of the 5k!
    Responsibilities include unwrapping and organizing medals, and handing medals out to runners as they cross the finish line.
  • Time commitment: 1:30pm to 8:30pm  
• FACE PAINTING/TEMPORARY TATTOO STATION (1:30PM to 6:30PM):
  
  • Help accessorize the girls before the big run! A steady hand and some artistic and creative talent is ideal.
  • Great for groups! Girls on the Run our 5k Village Stations are a key piece of keeping the excitement and momentum going before the warm-up!
  • Time commitment: 1:30pm to 6:30pm 
• HAPPY HAIR STATION (1:30pm to 6:30pm)
  • Great for groups! Girls on the Run our 5k Village Stations are a key piece of keeping the excitement and momentum going before the warm-up! Our 5k Village is a busy place, and we need enthusiastic volunteers to help things run smoothly.
  • Responsibilities Include: spraying color/glitter hair spray or helping with girls’ hair decorations! Standing for long periods of time required.
  • Time commitment: 1:30pm to 6:30pm 
• WATER STATION (1:30pm to 8:30pm):
  
  • This is the description of the role/responsibilities of this volunteer role:
  • Great for groups! This important role is not just about providing hydration support, but also moral support and excitement! Runners may get fatigued as they travel the course, but you have the ability to revive them with your smiling face and positive attitude!
  • Responsibilities include setting up the station, filling and stacking cups with water, restocking cups throughout the course of the event, handing beverages to runners as they come by, and cleaning up the area when the last runner passes. Standing for long periods of time is required.
  • Time commitment: 1:30pm to 8:30pm 
• PARKING ATTENDANT (1:30pm to 8:30pm) 
  
  • Great for groups! Parking at any major event can be complicated, so we need the very best volunteers to help things run smoothly!
  • Volunteers will direct traffic as participants arrive at the 5k venue, and help families successfully navigate the Southwestern Michigan College campus.
  • Time commitment: 1:30pm to 8:30pm 
• PRE-REGISTERED PARTICIPANT CHECK-IN (1:30pm to 6:30pm)
  
  • Host Check-In table for pre-registered participants, provide T-shirt for those who pre-purchased and wristbands for all. track registered participants and T-shirts. No special skills required.
  • Time commitment: 1:30pm to 6:30pm 
• GREETER/CROWD CONTROL (1:30pm to 8:30pm) 
  
  • Host Check-In area for spectators, provide wristbands for all. Once the race has started, help monitor the participant area and the dismissal area of the 5k Village. Standing for long periods of time. No other special skills required.
  • Time commitment: 1:30pm to 8:30pm 
• DAY-OF REGISTRATION (1:30pm to 6:30pm)
  
  • Host Check-In table for pre-registered participants, provide bib and wristbands for all.Track registered participants and T-shirts. No special skills required.
  • Time commitment: 1:30pm to 6:30pm 
• INSPIRATION STATION (UFCU GROUP : 1:30 to 6:30) 
  
  • Great for groups! Girls on the Run our 5k Village Stations are a key piece of keeping the excitement and momentum going before the warm-up!
  • Our 5k Village is a busy place, and we need enthusiastic volunteers to help things run smoothly.
  • Responsibilities Include: Helping the girls and family make inspirational signs for the participants. Standing for long periods of time required.
  • Time commitment: 1:30pm to 6:30pm 
• CHEER STATION (4:30pm to 8:30pm)
  
  • Great for groups! Girls on the Run is SO MUCH FUN, and our Cheer Stations help keep it that way!
  • Be a key player in keeping the excitement and momentum going on course.
  • Responsibilities include (but are not limited to) cheering loudly, laughing, screaming, jumping, dancing - anything to bring a smile to our runners' faces! Standing for long periods of time required.
  • Time commitment: 4:30pm to 8:30pm 

The course for a 5K is 3.1 miles. 

As a reminder, this is a fun, celebratory event for our participants and not a competitive race. While our fastest 5K participants will complete the course in 25 minutes, most cross the finish line in 30-50 minutes. Everyone who participates is encouraged to walk, roll, push, run or skip at their happy pace!

First, we understand that life happens, and circumstance might make it impossible to attend.

We strongly encourage that all participants attend and complete the 5K, as it is the goal that teams are preparing for all season long! It’s the ultimate opportunity to build confidence through accomplishment. Remember, this is the first 5K event for many – including coaches, participants, friends and family members. We are in it together!

For safety reasons, every participant must wear a race bib (provided by the council). Our council does our best to ensure every participant has a running buddy, and only critical 5K volunteers have access to confidential information.

To ensure every participant crosses the finish line, we monitor the course and conduct head counts. Coaches are tasked with having a rigid dismissal procedure to ensure that our girls are ONLY released to thier authorized individuals after the 5k. 

Our council has a safety plan in place, which trains staff and volunteers on how to respond during an emergency or incident. 

There will be a "GOTR 5k Villiage" area that will be ONLY for our Girls, and thier coach/volunteers. Please respect this boundry for the safety of all of our girls. Our coaches will be sharing the dismissal plan with your team as the 5k details are updated for this season. 

Please respect the boundaries and procedures in place, you will most likely not get to walk around the 5k space with your girl unless you are a running buddy or other volunteer. 

Yes. Girls on the Run 5K events are for everyone! All participants can walk, run, push or roll safely and at their own happy pace. Designated parking spots are available. If we find area's of concern we will work to resolve the oversight as quickly possible. 

A Running Buddy is an individual designated by the council or by the parent/guardian to complete the 5K alongside a program participant during the 5K event, for the entire duration of the course.

Yes! This is encouraged! This is a great way to accomplish a goal together. 

Absolutely! Every registered participant who completes the 5K will receive a medal.

Yes! Family, friends and community members outside of our program can participate in the event, but must register.

Yes. All 5K registration forms include liability waivers.

Yes! Our Council is selling merchandise to support our program! Be sure to look for our merchandise booth/tent to commemorate this memorable event.

Yes! As this is the highlight of the season, there will be face painting, water stations, happy hair stations and more! Of course, we’ll have merchandise for sale, too!

For non-program participants, the price will increase three weeks out from the event.