Volunteer for the UW Medicine Seattle Marathon and be part of Seattle’s Hometown Marathon!
The Seattle Marathon Family of Events could not happen without the enthusiasm and hard work of more than 1,000 dedicated volunteers. It takes every single one of you to make the Seattle Marathon Family of Events an experience that the Emerald City can be proud of. There is a job for everyone, no experience necessary.
Job Descriptions
UW Medicine Seattle Marathon Health + Fitness Expo
Monday - Wednesday: November 20-22, 2023
- EXPO Set Up: Westin Seattle. 1900 5th Ave. May require heavy lifting. Help set up the UW Medicine Seattle Marathon EXPO, hotel and registration. There are 2 shifts available (10am-2pm + 2pm-6pm).
Friday and Saturday, November 24 & 25th, 2023
- Registration: Westin Seattle. 1900 5th Ave. Help as needed in the Registration/Bib Pick-up room for the Full + Half Marathon. There are 2 shifts available (10:00am-3:30pm + 3:00pm-8:30pm).
- Participant Shirts Distribution: Westin Seattle. 1900 5th Ave. Hand out race t-shirts to marathon participants. There are 2 shifts available (10:00am-3:30pm + 3:00pm-8:30pm).
- EXPO Runner: Westin Seattle. 1900 5th Ave. Be Expo Coordinator Hannah’s personal assistant for the day. Assist with various tasks and take pictures of all the fun inside the expo. Get shots of participants, vendors, volunteers, etc. There are 2 shifts available (10:00am-3:30pm + 3:00pm-8:30pm).
- EXPO Clean Up: Westin Seattle. 1900 5th Ave. Assist the SMA crew pack up and load expo equipment. May require heavy lifting. There is 1 shift available (7:00pm - 10:00pm).
UW Medicine Seattle Marathon + Half Marathon
Friday, November 24, 2023
- VRA Set Up: Seattle Center Exhibition Hall. May require heavy lifting. Help set up the Seattle Kids Marathon and UW Medicine Seattle Marathon Victory Recovery. There are various shifts available (10:00am-2:00pm + 2:00pm-6:00pm).
Saturday, November 25, 2023
- VRA Set Up: Seattle Center Exhibition Hall. May require heavy lifting. Help set up the Seattle Kids Marathon and UW Medicine Seattle Marathon Victory Recovery. There are various shifts available (10:00am-2:00pm + 2:00pm-6:00pm).
- Finish Line Set Up: Seattle Center Memorial Field. Help the SMA staff set up the finish line and load/unload the trucks. Will require heavy lifting. This position has 1 shift (5pm - 11pm).
Sunday, November 26th, 2023
- Course Marshals: Various positions along the marathon/half marathon course, all outdoors. A road race cannot happen without course marshals. This is a vital position. Monitor locations along the UW Medicine Seattle Marathon course; ensure the safety of the participants. There are various shifts and locations for this position.
- Water Station: Various positions along the marathon/half marathon course, all outdoors. A road race cannot happen without water stations. This is a vital position. Fill water and Nuun cups for runners to pick up as they pass. Pick up empty dropped cups and general course clean up. This is a great option for groups of volunteers that want to work together. There are various shifts and locations for this position.
- Start Line Set Up & Break Down: 5th & Harrison, all outdoors. May require heavy lifting. Help set up the UW Medicine Seattle Marathon start line, help direct participants to the start line in waves and help break down the start line area once all runners have started. There is 1 shift available (4:00am - 9:00am)
- Finish Line Support: Memorial Stadium, outdoors. Help as needed at the finish line. Hand out medals, space blankets and water. Help to direct runners toward indoor vendor area, massage or to medical staff if needed. Second shift will also assist with clean up. This position has 2 shifts (7:00am - 12:00pm + 12:00pm - 5:00pm).
- Bag Check: Seattle Center Exhibition Hall, indoors. Accept bags from runners before the race starts. Organize bags by bib number. Hand bags back to participants post-race. (5:00am - 2:00pm)
- Victory Recovery Area - Merchandise: Seattle Center Exhibition Hall, indoors. Help at the merchandise booth, organizing and selling merchandise. (8:00am - 2:00pm)
- Victory Recovery Area - Food: Seattle Center Exhibition Hal, indoors. Help at the beverage/food tables, setting up and giving out food to the finishers. (6:00am - 1:30pm)
- Break Down/Clean Up: Memorial Stadium, outdoors/indoors. Help the SMA staff breakdown the finish line, vendor area and load trucks at the end of the event. Will require heavy lifting. This position has 1 shift (1:00pm - 5:00pm).
Why Volunteer?
You do not need experience to volunteer, just the desire to help out and have a good time doing it. Volunteering with Seattle Marathon Association is also a great way to volunteer as a group. Whether you're on a school team or a local company looking to give back, volunteering on race day is a great way to get your name out there. Not only can you have a great time supporting your community, but you can get some pretty cool swag too!
- You can be a part of Seattle’s 50+ year old tradition
- Because we treat you right!
- Get a cool long-sleeve technical apparel shirt and goody bag
- Community service hours for school or your resume
- Huge discounts on future SMA events
- Camaraderie
- FUN!
For more info on volunteering as a group email: volunteer@seattlemarathon.org
Volunteer Requirements and Guidelines
Volunteer Requirements
- Volunteers must be 16 or older by the day of the event for which they are volunteering; however, an exception can be made for those participating as part of an adult supervised group such as Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, sporting teams, School clubs etc.
- Dress Code: Please dress appropriately for a family event and be prepared for the weather.
- Only those volunteering will be allowed to partake in the refreshments, snacks, and t-shirts.
Volunteer Guidelines
- CODE OF CONDUCT: Treat everyone (visitors, participants and other volunteers) with courtesy. Never discriminate for age, gender, race, or otherwise. Remain calm and level headed in all situations. If problems occur, please contact a staff member or a team leader. We are there to assist you.
- SHIFT COMPLETION: At the end of your shift, if you have not been relieved, please tell a supervisor and stay in your area until a replacement comes. If this is the final or only shift of the event, please check with your supervisor before leaving.
- ATTENDANCE: We depend on your commitment to participate. Your presence and prompt arrival for your scheduled shifts are absolutely necessary. When you commit to the selected shift(s) and the entire shift time, please arrive on time.
- SHIFT CANCELLATION: Please email volunteer@seattlemarathon.org if you have to cancel or are unable to attend.
- WEATHER: Our events are Rain or Shine, so please do not let rain stop you from coming – we still need you! For your comfort, dress according to the weather forecast.
- PLACEMENT: Please note, the Seattle Marathon Family of Events reserves the right to reassign volunteer assignments based on prior volunteer experience, unexpected needs or shifts in events. We will do our best to honor your first choice, but it is not guaranteed. The Seattle Marathon Association utilizes over 1,000 volunteers for our events; at times, schedule adjustments may be necessary. Thanks in advance for your understanding, and patience is always a must.
- SMILE AND HAVE FUN!
Contact information
- Event contact
- Volunteer Coordinator- Jessica Long
- Phone
- 206-729-3660
- Website
- Visit website
