The Peachtree Road Race is quickly approaching. In a few short weeks, approximately 60,000 runners will take to the streets of Atlanta to kick off their 4th of July with 6.2 mile trek to Piedmont Park. In the weeks leading up to the Peachtree Road Race, the Atlanta Track Club hosts Peachtree Junior to give young runners the experience of running their own Peachtree Road Race.
For a few years now I have wanted to volunteer at this event, but schedule conflicts always prevented me from getting to. This year, I did not have a race in the morning so I was excited to finally get to head to Piedmont Park to give back to the junior runners in the community.
For a few years now I have wanted to volunteer at this event, but schedule conflicts always prevented me from getting to. This year, I did not have a race in the morning so I was excited to finally get to head to Piedmont Park to give back to the junior runners in the community.
Peachtree Junior has appeal for runners of all ages and abilities by offering different race distances. This year, the race included a 3K (ages 7-14), 1/2K (ages 5-9), and 50 meter dash (ages 6 & under).
Course maps for the 2015 Peachtree Junior
My volunteer assignment was the hydration station. I arrived at Piedmont Park bright and early for a 6:30am set-up which gave us about 2 hours to get set up before the race started. There were about 2,700 runners total across the morning's events, however only the 3K came through a water station. We had a good number of volunteers on hand which made set-up pretty quick - like they say, 'many hands make light work.' Most of us were Atlanta Track Club members so it was fun to get to exchange running stories while setting up. Of course most of the talk was about Peachtree Road Race coming up which made me get even more pumped for July 4th.
As we set up, it was fun to get to watch the runners and their families arrive to the park. A lot of local schools had teams there which was so great to see. My favorite part was watching the twinkle in the parents eyes as their child was getting ready for the race. As one family came through, the father explained to his daughter about the hydration station and told her that 'this is the only time it is alright to litter, the nice volunteers will make sure to clean up after the race.'
As we set up, it was fun to get to watch the runners and their families arrive to the park. A lot of local schools had teams there which was so great to see. My favorite part was watching the twinkle in the parents eyes as their child was getting ready for the race. As one family came through, the father explained to his daughter about the hydration station and told her that 'this is the only time it is alright to litter, the nice volunteers will make sure to clean up after the race.'
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The water station was set up mid-way through the course, however the station was right next to the start line. We were able to head over and watch the first wave of junior runners take off and cheer them on. The speed of the kids was absolutely amazing to say the least.
The first few runners to come through bypassed the water so it took a few minutes for the station to get busy. While some runners were totally focused on the task at hand, there were some that wanted to stop and congregate around the water tables and tell us about the race so far (a few thought that this was the finish). In order to get the area clear for the next runners we had to cheer them on to the finish line. They were seriously great to watch and cheer for.
The first few runners to come through bypassed the water so it took a few minutes for the station to get busy. While some runners were totally focused on the task at hand, there were some that wanted to stop and congregate around the water tables and tell us about the race so far (a few thought that this was the finish). In order to get the area clear for the next runners we had to cheer them on to the finish line. They were seriously great to watch and cheer for.
After the races, Atlanta Track Club had stations set up that the kids could learn and try different track and field event like the high jump. The coolest part was that the stations were being taught by local former Olympians. How cool is that!?! Perhaps some future high school stars or even Olympians were created this morning.
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It was a wonderful morning in Atlanta for sure. The weather could not have been much more perfect (especially in mid-May). All of the kids seemed to have a blast and watching the proud kids and parents enjoying the day was amazing for sure.
I really enjoyed getting to volunteer at the Peachtree Junior. It was awesome to get to give back to the community and support our runners. Without the time and efforts of volunteers, most races would not be able to happen. I highly recommend that you take a few hours out of your time and go volunteer at a race near you. Not only is the volunteering aspect rewarding, it is also neat to see 'the other side' of races.
The Atlanta Track Club staff is amazing and really cares about the running community. Whether you are looking for a 5K, 10K, half marathon or even volunteering yourself, be sure to check out their race calendar for future events.
The Atlanta Track Club staff is amazing and really cares about the running community. Whether you are looking for a 5K, 10K, half marathon or even volunteering yourself, be sure to check out their race calendar for future events.
Question of the Day: Have you ever volunteered at a race? What was your favorite part of the experience?
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