19th Annual Atlanta HBCU 5K Run/Walk

Welcome to the Volunteer Page!

Location: Road Runner Sports 3756 Roswell Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30342 (Buckhead)

• Saturday, June 20, 2026 (3 Shifts @ 9:30 AM, 12:30 PM, 3:30 PM)
• Sunday, June 21, 2026 (3 Shifts @ 10:30 AM, 12:30 PM, 3:30 PM)

Purpose: Ensure efficient, welcoming check‑in and accurate distribution of race materials.

Responsibilities:

* Participant Check-In & Bib Distribution

1. Organize and setup area (1st shifts) and breakdown area (3rd shift).
2. Confirm race registration
3. Distribute bibs and pins to registered race participants

* T-Shirt & Swag Bag Team *

1. Distribute t-shirts (size ordered during registration), and
2. Load swag bags with marketing and promotional materials
3. Distribute swag bags to registered race participants.

*Concessions Team *

1. Setup popcorn machine (1st shift)
2. Make and distribute popcorn
3. Keep area neat, organized and clean throughout day
4. Replenish water bottle as needed
5. Breakdown area (3rd shift)

Location: Piedmont Park - Meadows on 10th St

Time: 2:00 PM - 6:00 PM

• The Staging Crew supports pre-event preparation and logistics setup the day before the race to ensure the event site is organized and ready for race morning operations.
• Volunteers assist with staging equipment, assembling materials, and preparing key operational areas so that event-day teams can execute efficiently.

Location: Piedmont Park - Meadows on 10th St

Time: 2:00 PM - 6:00 PM

* Responsible for assisting alumni chapters with locating tent placement according to master plan

* Assist with setting up tents, if needed

* Ensure tent placement is within noted spacing standards and no spikes are in use.

Purpose: Ensure sponsors, health fair vendors and other vendors experience professional engagement and visibility.

Key Duties

• With direction from Blue Rose Consulting, welcome and assist guests
• Guide them to their assigned area
• Provide assistance with setup, as necessary

Assist volunteers and participants with parking in designated lots. More information to come.

Start Line Volunteers help prepare the official race start moment, ensuring the start line area is organized, the correct participants and guests are positioned for photos, and key equipment is ready for announcements. Their role helps create a professional and memorable start-line experience for runners, sponsors, and media.

Key Responsibilities

• Ensure the start line banner is properly positioned and visible for pre-race photos and the race start
• Coordinate with race leadership to position VIPs, sponsors, race officials, and special guests at the front of the start line for the official photo
• Confirm the bullhorn or announcement equipment is available and functioning for race instructions and countdown
• Assist with organizing runners behind the start line so the front area remains clear for photos and announcements
• Help communicate with photographers and event staff to signal when participants are ready for the official start photo
• Support the race announcer or race director during final countdown and start procedures

Impact of the Role
This role ensures the race begins in an organized, professional manner, capturing important promotional photos while maintaining clear communication and safe runner positioning before the race start.

Warm-Up

Stage/Corral Runners & Walkers by Time

1. Start Corral Marshals assist runners in assembling in the correct starting areas based on pace or wave assignments.
2. Communicate instructions from the race announcer and timing team.
3. Help manage crowd flow, maintain a clear start pathway to ensure safe movement and reduces congestion.

* Move runners and walkers from Warm-up Area to Start Line, Remaining in Pace Group*

Course Marshals

1. Positioned along the race route to guide runners, ensure safety, and keep participants on the correct course.
   • Start Line to Mile 1 (volunteers in pairs along route)
   • Mile 1 to Mile 2 (volunteers in pairs along route)
   • Mile 2 to Finish Line (volunteers in pairs along route)
2. Direct runners at turns or intersections, monitor the flow of participants, and
3. Monitor for route obstructions
4. Monitor racers and alert race officials if assistance or support is needed.
5. Cheer! Provide encouragement to runners and help maintain a positive race atmosphere.

Important: Be sure to bring a chair, wear sunscreen, have fun

Mile Markers

1. Responsible for clearly displaying and monitoring mile marker signs along the course so runners can track their progress.
2. They ensure signage remains visible and upright,
3. provide encouragement to participants as they pass, and
4. assist Course Marshals by reporting any issues or safety concerns along the route.

Important: Be sure to bring a chair, wear sunscreen, have fun

Water Station Locations: (On race day, go straight to assigned water station location) * Do Not Go to Volunteer Command Center *

• Water Station 1 Crew: Piedmont & Prado St (near Tennis Court) @ Mile 1
• Water Station 2 Crew: Monroe & Dutch Valley (near Ansley Animal Hospital) @ Mile 2
• Water Station 3 Crew: 10th Street and Charles Allen Gate Walk up the path to finish line (right grass area) @ Finish Line

Water Station Volunteers

1. Prepare and distribute water to runners along the course.
2. Set up hydration tables, keep cups filled and accessible
3. Keep the area safe by managing empty cups and debris.
4. Cheer on runners and
5. Monitor the area for safety concerns
6. Alert captains if racer needs assistance

Finish Line Flow Volunteers guide runners through the finish chute after crossing the line.

1. They help keep participants moving safely toward Recovery, Hydration and Health & Wellness Fair, Alumni Village areas to prevent congestion near the finish line lane
2. Monitor race participants for First Aid Help

1. Provide emergency medical care and transportation.
2. Assist personnel as needed.
3. Ensure ice is available for participants

Recovery Snacks & Fruit Distribution Volunteers support the post-race recovery area by providing runners with light refreshments such as fruit, snacks, and beverages immediately after they cross the finish line.

Ensure participants can quickly refuel, rehydrate, and safely transition from the finish chute to the recovery and celebration areas.

Key Responsibilities

• Distribute fruit, snacks, and recovery items to runners in the post-race area
• Keep tables stocked and organized with available supplies
• Assist with maintaining a steady flow of runners through the refreshment area
• Remove empty boxes and packaging to keep the area clean and safe
• Offer encouragement and congratulations to participants finishing the race
• Notify team leads if additional supplies are needed
  

Impact of the Role
This role helps create a welcoming and supportive finish-line experience, allowing runners to refuel and celebrate their accomplishment while maintaining an organized and efficient recovery area.

Volunteer Command Center Volunteers support the central coordination hub for all volunteer operations during the event.

They help manage communication, track volunteer assignments, and assist captains and race leadership with deploying volunteers where needed to ensure all race zones remain fully staffed and functioning smoothly.

Key Responsibilities

1. Serve as the primary check-in point for volunteer leaders and captains throughout the event
2. Monitor volunteer attendance and track check-in/check-out status
3. Deploy standby or float volunteers to areas experiencing shortages or increased demand
4. Assist with distributing radios, credentials, or last-minute instructions to volunteer leaders
5. Maintain a volunteer roster and assist with locating volunteers assigned to specific zones
6. Communicate updates from race leadership to zone leads and captains
7. Document issues, staffing gaps, or adjustments for post-event review

Impact of the Role
The Volunteer Command Center helps ensure efficient coordination and rapid problem-solving, allowing race organizers to maintain full operational coverage across all volunteer areas and respond quickly to changing needs during the event.

Assist 5K race participants with questions, package pick-up, lost and found, and other directions if needed.

1. Registration Support help participants who need assistance with race check-in, last-minute registration questions, or corrections to their race information. They provide guidance and help ensure the registration process runs smoothly.
2. Packet Pick-Up Volunteers assist participants with collecting their race materials, including bib numbers. They verify registration, distribute items efficiently, and direct participants to other event areas when needed.
3. Crowd Control Flow & Line Queues

1. Distribute t-shirts (size ordered during registration), and
2. Load swag bags with marketing and promotional materials
3. Distribute swag bags to registered race participants.

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