General Volunteer Training Handbook - Updated 3/2022 1 - Eugene Marathon
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General Volunteer Training
Handbook
Updated 3/2022
1
Table of Contents
Important Contacts for Volunteers 3
Introduction 3
Training Manual Goals 3
History of the Eugene Marathon 4
A Volunteer’s Impact 4
General Guidelines 5
Volunteer Check-In 5
Volunteer Roles 6
Expo and Finish Festival Volunteers 6
On-Course Volunteers 6
Transportation and Parking 6
Cars 6
Alternative Modes 7
Access and Equity 7
Sustainability 7
Safety and Security 8
Spectator Engagement 9
On Course 9
Expo and Finish Festival 9
Volunteer Appreciation 9
Frequently Asked Questions 10
Maps 11
Course Map 11
Finish Festival 12
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Important Contacts for Volunteers
Volunteer Coordinator/Race day off-course volunteer contact (Expo, Finish Festival)
Denise Silfee – 610.451.6042 (cell), denise@eugenemarathon.com
Race day on-course volunteer contact (course marshals, water stations):
Aubrion Sterrett – 702-366-3668, aubrion@eugenemarathon.com
Eugene Marathon Office — 541.345.2230
Please use the office number up until the week before the race.
Email is always a guaranteed method of communication and usually will get a quicker response.
Introduction
Dear Volunteer,
First and foremost, THANK YOU! We know it gets said a lot but we really could not put on this event
without the support of the community and generous support of volunteers donating their time over this
weekend. We have over 1000 volunteers every year who are responsible for making this experience a
great one for our runners. You are an extension of the whole race experience and you have a direct impact
on the success of this event. We look forward to creating a great community legacy and as we enter our
second decade of running the marathon, we aim to make it the best experience possible for all involved.
Thank you again for volunteering and being part of a great community event.
Sincerely,
The Eugene Marathon Staff
Training Manual Goals
The goal of this general training manual is to provide foundational information relevant to all volunteers
for the Eugene Marathon. We want to create a safe, memorable, and personally rewarding experience
for all volunteers, spectators, and race participants. We want to celebrate the history of distance running
in Eugene through community involvement, teamwork, and acceptance of all runners.
This manual will allow you to:
● Understand the basic logistics and operations of being a Eugene Marathon volunteer
● Understand the expectations of you as a volunteer both on course and in the expo/festival area
● Understand how to make the Eugene Marathon experience the best for yourself, the spectators,
and participants buy giving you needed information.
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History of the Eugene Marathon
The Eugene Marathon kicked off its inaugural race in 2007 and
has not looked back since. The first few races began on the
University of Oregon campus and ended near Autzen Stadium.
However, after a few years of growth, the course was adjusted
to end the race on Historic Hayward Field. In 2019, the course
was changed to begin at Autzen Stadium with a Finish on the 50
yard line while Hayward underwent construction. The return to
Hayward was delayed by the global Covid-19 pandemic in 2020,
which extended into 2021 when a virtual race was held. In 2022,
the Eugene Marathon finally returned its start and finish to the
University of Oregon and Historic Hayward Field. The final
stretch of all four race distances enters through the main gates
at Powell Plaza then finishes the last 200 meters on the Hayward
Field Track. This is the place where historic runners have
competed as well as where we get the marathon moto: “Running in the Footsteps of Legends.” The race
has traditionally been held in the end of April or beginning of May with the exception of 2014, when it
was moved to July to coincide with the IAAF Junior World Championships. The Eugene marathon has also
been recognized for multiple race focused awards over the years including being named one of the ten
Greenest Races in North America, one of the “Best of the Best” races by Runner’s World Magazine, and
“Best Destination Race” by Travel Lane County.
The Eugene marathon and half marathon courses are certified by USATF. The course is also certified to be
a qualifier race for the Boston Marathon. Due to its relatively flat and fast route, many racers achieve
Boston qualifier times, with over 20% of marathon racers consistently qualifying every year. In fact, the
Eugene Marathon course routinely places in the
top 25 fastest courses in the United States. The
records for the full marathon are held by Jacob
Chemtai for the men at 2:16:07 in 2014 and
Degefa Biruktayit Eshetu for the women at
2:33:15 in 2014 as well. For the half marathon,
Andrew Lemoncello holds it for the men at
1:05:04 ran in 2015 and Kristen Fryburg for the
women at 1:12:57 ran in 2007. In an attempt to
keep up with the changing times, the 2016 race
sought and achieved gold certification for
sustainability by the Council for Responsible
Sport. This organization looks at not only the
environmental impact a race as but also the economic and social impacts on the community as well. The
2017 race marks the start of the second decade of the marathon with the intent to keep going strong and
growing year over year.
A Volunteer’s Impact
It is said so much it is almost cliché, but the Eugene Marathon could not happen without the commitment
of community volunteers. By being part of the marathon, you have a direct impact on the whole
experience for everyone involved. Your attitudes and interactions with participants, spectators, other
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volunteers, sponsors, and community members reflect upon the marathon as a whole. We ask that you
be considerate and helpful to everyone with whom you interact. A smile goes a long way, never forget
that. We appreciate your dedication and we will do our best to help make sure we are respectful and
value your time. However, we appreciate your patience and flexibility with the roles and other people.
General Guidelines
● By volunteering at the Eugene Marathon, you automatically are assuming a role as a community
and race ambassador. Please treat all spectators, participants, guests, and other volunteers with
respect and courtesy.
● Be proud to be a volunteer and dress like you mean it. Please wear clean khakis, black pants or
jeans without holes as well as comfortable shoes. If it is warm, shorts are acceptable as long as
they are an appropriate length.
● As a volunteer, you may be asked lots of questions. Be prepared by reading this manual and
familiarizing yourself with the information on the Eugene Marathon website
(eugenemarathon.com). If at any time you don’t know the answer, seek out a marathon staff
member or the Volunteer Coordinator. Customer service is a priority!
● We love people who are committed and want to go above and beyond one shift. If you want to
do multiple shifts please check the time requirements to ensure they are compatible (i.e. don’t
overlap).
● By signing up, you are committing your time to our event. We will count on your participation
and involvement. If at any time you cannot make your shift, please let the volunteer coordination
know as soon as possible via email (volunteer@eugenemarathon.com). If given notice, we may
be able to find a new spot for you to participate or find a replacement for you. We expect you to
show up on time and stay engaged for the entire duration of your shift.
● The Eugene Marathon will happen regardless of weather conditions (unless it creates an unsafe
environment). Please check the forecast and bring appropriate gear as needed. There will be
minimal space to store items but be sure to cover all your bases.
● Alcoholic beverages are not to be consumed during your shift and eating should be kept to a
minimum. Water is always okay to have with you. We will try to provide you with breaks during
your shift where you can sit down and grab a snack. Please try to eat full meals before or after
your shift. Unfortunately, we are unable to provide full meals to volunteers, regardless of shift
duration.
● During your shift, please refrain from using your cell phone for personal use. We do encourage
you to use your cell phone to contact marathon staff or volunteers, and to take photos of your
experience at the event. Please do so when you have natural breaks from your duties.
● Authorized service animals are always welcome, but please leave your pets at home.
● We will do our best to keep you in the role you signed up. However, being flexible is much
appreciated as we may need to shift people around as needs arise. We value your time and want
to make sure it is well spent and not wasted so please be flexible if we ask you to do another role
within your abilities.
Volunteer Check-In
Before your shift, you will need to check-in with the Volunteer Coordinator at the Volunteer Check-in
booth located at the Health and Wellness Expo at the Graduate Eugene (66 E 6th Ave, Eugene) on Friday
and Saturday and at the Volunteer Check-in table in the Finish Festival area on Sunday at Hayward
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Stadium. Please plan to arrive 10 minutes before your scheduled shift to receive any training and
instructions. Look for emails or communication before the event with job-specific training if needed.
Please check in before your first shift each day unless noted below.
If you are a course marshal volunteer, you will need to check-in with the volunteer coordinator during
the Health and Wellness Expo to receive your information packets. Once you have received your
packets, please show up at your designated course spot at the time indicated. We need to have course
marshals in place approximately 30 minutes before the first runner is expected to pass. Water station
volunteers will receive special instructions and do not need to check in at the Expo or Finish Festival.
Volunteer check-in will be:
• Friday, April 29, 2022 from 1:00 pm – 6:00 pm at the Health & Fitness Expo at the Graduate
Eugene
• Saturday, April 30, 2022 from 10 am – 6:00 pm at the Health & Fitness Expo at the Graduate
Eugene
• Sunday, May 1, 2022 from 5:00 am – 2:00 pm at the Finish Festival at Hayward Stadium
If your shift is before this date/time, please look for an email from Denise Silfee stating where to meet her
for set up.
Volunteer Roles
Expo and Finish Festival Volunteers
Volunteers at the Health and Wellness Expo at the Graduate Eugene as
well as the finish festival at Hayward Field will be stationed at various
spots. Snacks and refreshments will be provided in the volunteer check-
in spaces in each of these locations. Please check in approximately 10-15
minutes before each shift. Most training will be done immediately before
your shift. A complete list of available positions can be viewed on our
volunteer sign up module at eugenemarathon.com à Volunteer.
On-Course Volunteers
The on-course volunteers (course marshals, water station volunteers,
medical volunteers) make up the majority of the volunteer labor force and
span the entire 26.2 miles of the marathon course. With that many people
spread over such a long distance, it is important to be the eyes and ears for
safety and security during the race. We will have key captains in charge of
sections of course. If there are problems or issues, please contact them first
as they can get to you quicker than the staff at the finish line. As a course
marshal, you will receive specific position instructions when you pick up your
volunteer shirt and information packets at the Health and Wellness Expo.
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Transportation and Parking
Cars
The Health and Wellness Expo takes place at the Graduate Eugene (66 E 6th Ave, Eugene). There is ample
free parking provided. The finish of the marathon and finish festival take place on the University of Oregon
campus near Hayward Field. It is no secret that parking on and around campus can be a challenge. If you
do decide to drive, please consider forming a carpool to help reduce the amount of traffic around the
venue. Also, please read parking signs carefully. This goes for parking on the street, in metered spots, as
well as parking lots. The marathon is not responsible for parking fines received while participating in
marathon activities. If you are volunteering along the course, again, make sure you carefully read parking
signs near your designated spot.
Alternative Modes
Since parking is such a challenge near U of O campus, we encourage you to use alternative modes. Riding
the bus, riding your bike, or walking are great alternatives. Since the race happens during the academic
year, there are multiple Lane Transit District (LTD) busses that can get you to the University of Oregon
campus. The EMX drops off on the corner of Franklin and Agate which is the closest stop to the venue.
Most EMX routes operate from 8:00 am – 9:30 pm on Sundays, but please check your specific route to be
sure at ltd.org. We also encourage you to ride your bike and request that you securely lock it in an
appropriate bike rack.
Access and Equity
(Content courtesy of Track Town USA)
Everyone is welcome at the Eugene Marathon! We are doing our best to accommodate athletes,
spectators, and volunteers from all walks of life. As soon as you put on your volunteer shirt on race
weekend, you become an ambassador for running in Eugene. Below are a few tips on interacting with
race participants and spectators:
• When interacting with anyone with a perceived disability, refer to the person first rather than the
disability (EX: “person with hearing impairment” rather than “hearing impaired person”)
• We want to meet the needs of all spectators in a respectful manner. Always ask before providing
assistance, and, if accepted, ask how to provide support.
• Wheelchairs are considered an extension of a person’s body. Do not touch unless invited to do so.
• We want to provide all of our spectators with great customer service. Familiarize yourself with the venue
layout to be able to direct people to requested amenities.
• We want volunteers to be comfortable in all interactions; if you are unable to answer questions or
provide assistance, please contact the Volunteer Coordinator or go to the Info Booth and the Health and
Fitness Expo.
Communicating with Guests
• Listen carefully before trying to respond. Ask questions or paraphrase your understanding to ensure
you’ve heard correctly.
• Communicate clearly and enunciate your words. If the guest is having trouble understanding, you can
try speaking more slowly or using simple, direct phrases.
• Using gestures like an outstretched arm or using maps or signs can help show your meaning.
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• Be respectful of other cultural norms, including those around personal space and physical contact like
handshakes or pats on the shoulder.
Sustainability
The Eugene Marathon has always had an environmentally conscious mindset to create and sustainable
and enduring race for the Eugene/Springfield communities. In 2016 and again in 2018 we were certified
by the Council for Responsible Sport for our sustainability efforts. This formalized our dedication to not
just the environment but also the well-being of the participants and communities. With that, we hope to
continue our sustainability efforts and improve them year over year. However, we can’t do it without the
help of all people involved with the race. Here are a few tips to help you keep the Eugene Marathon
green:
Reduce
Putting on a large event takes a lot of resources but you
can reduce what you use. Take advantage of
alternative modes of transportation like public
transportation or ride your bike (and use the provided
bike valet) to reduce your carbon footprint. Bring your
own beverage containers to reduce using disposable
wares and one time use products.
Reuse
Bringing your own beverage containers allows you to refill as much as you want without adding more to
the landfill. If you don’t have your own container, reuse one you are given rather than getting a new one.
Recycle and Compost
Having multiple bins at the waste stations can be
confusing. We get it, especially if you are not from an area
that religiously recycles. However, take the time to
properly read the signs and place your waste in the
correct container. If you sort properly the first time, you
improve our chances to increase our diversion rate and
keep more material out of landfills. If you are a recycling
expert, we encourage you to help educate others in a
polite and respectful way.
Safety and Security
The Eugene Marathon is one of the largest road-running races in the state. We attract over 8000
participants over the three days as well as utilize over 1000 volunteers. With this huge influx of people,
we want to be diligent about the safety and security of everyone. Below are a few tips to make sure
everyone has a safe and fun time over marathon weekend.
● Be aware of your surroundings. If you are on the course, please familiarize yourself with the
course map and know your closest points of interest. If you are in the expo or festival area, please
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pay attention to potential hazards. Either take care of the situation if it is easy to do so or report
it to the Volunteer Coordinator.
● Since this event is open to the public, there is a potential for items to be left behind. If you see
an unattended item, ask around nearby if it belongs to anyone. If it is not claimed, please alert
the Eugene Marathon staff or turn it into Lost and Found located at the Info booth or Volunteer
Check In.
● Volunteers working along the course may have to interact with cars. Please refer to your role
specific training materials with guidelines on how to interact with vehicles.
● We will have CMS (security staff) stationed at the festival area to help with emergency situations
and the police are stationed along the course to help with situations over there.
● If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to ask the volunteer coordinator at
denise@eugenemarathon.com
Spectator Engagement
On Course
There will be multiple opportunities for spectators to cheer on
racers throughout the course. Remember, if you are a course
marshal, you will need to ensure that spectators do not pass in
front of runners and only allow them to cross the course when it
is safe to do so. We encourage on-course cheering and
encouragement from volunteers as well as spectators.
Expo and Finish Festival
The Expo and Finish Festival are the main sources of
entertainment and education for the race. The Health
and Wellness Expo allow you to visit vendors
encompassing all aspects of running and a healthy
lifestyle. The Finish Festival is a time for runners to
relax and enjoy the success of their accomplishment.
It is a time to receive medical attention. They can also
have a great pancake breakfast, which is free for race
participants but a $3.00 donation for non-race
participants. The donation goes to the organization
working the breakfast that day.
Finish Festival 2018 outside of Hayward Stadium. In 2022, the
Finish Festival will be inside the stadium.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What if I can’t make my shift?
While we understand things happen at the last minute, we are counting on you to fulfill your shift. If you
are unable to make it for any reason, please log in to the volunteer registration portal at Rosterfy and
cancel your volunteer shift. If you must cancel within 5 days of your shift, please email the volunteer
coordinator at denise@eugenemarathon.com and let us know ASAP.
Where is lost and found?
Lost and found will be held at the Volunteer Check-In area during the Expo and Festival. Items can be
turned in to the Info booth during the Expo or at volunteer check in. Volunteer check in will be located at
a table at the Expo on Friday and Saturday and in the Finish Festival area on Sunday.
Where do I send a lost child?
During the expo, lost children should be taken to the info booth located in the lobby hallway at the
Graduate Eugene. During the finish festival, they should be taken to the info booth located in the south
concourse inside Hayward Field.
Will I receive more training and how will that happen?
All of our training will be done just in time immediately prior to your shift. Hopefully, this general manual
will provide you the foundational knowledge to perform your role. If you are part of a water station or a
course marshal, please view the training videos on the Eugene Marathon website. If you are a course
marshal you will also receive position specific information when you check in during the Expo.
What happens if there is a medical emergency?
On Course: If it is life threatening, call 911 then contact your course captain so they can help take over the
situation.
Near Hayward: Grab any Eugene Marathon staff, call the volunteer coordinator, go to the Medical area,
or the Info Desk. Staff will then take over the situation.
102022 Course Map
You can view a virtual course map at: Online Course Map
112022 Finish Area
RACE DAY MAP
E 15th Ave
HAYWARD FIELD
Agate St
AT THE UNIVERSITY OF OREGON
FINISH
Pre-race entrance for
LEGEND Gear Check, Restrooms,
VIP/Elite Check-in
Finish Festival
Marathon/Half Marathon Route
FINISH FESTIVAL
Route to Finish Festival E 17th Ave
Spectator Route (2 Entrances Open)
Medical Tent
Restrooms
START
FINISH FESTIVAL VENDORS
Shuttle Drop-Off
& Pick-Up
To Start
E 18th Ave
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