Volunteers
For those wonderful folks who would like to volunteer to assist in putting on this very special event, please contact us at (301) 706-2266 or bob@americanodysseyrelay.com.
There will be many volunteer opportunities, including providing assistance at the start and finish areas, managing the exchange points, and marshalling the course. Most of the volunteers will be used to handle the exchange points. We will assign them to an exchange point that is convenient for them, i.e. close to where they live (or are staying) or work. The time commitment will be approx. 4 hours. There are usually 2-4 volunteers per exchange point. One will track the teams as they pass. The other(s) will help direct parking of team vehicles. It's easy work. We will provide materials, including a clipboard with a list of teams and other pertinent info, reflective vests and lights for night time volunteers. If you want to be assigned to work with other volunteers that you know, please let us know and we'll make it happen. For those volunteers who want to accept a bigger challenge and have an even more memorable experience, we will assign you to a nighttime exchange point or assign you to two exchange points--one on Friday and one on Saturday.
There will be an organizational meeting prior to the event to further cover these details.
Each volunteer will receive an event t-shirt and we'll do our best to feed you too! For students, we will work with you to make certain that you get community service credit since a portion of the race proceeds will go to charity.
We plan to have a friendly competition for most spirited exchange point. The runners are encouraged to have fun, so we want to do the same with the volunteers. Do whatever you want to do to show your enthusiasm, such as having a theme (for example play to the local history or a local activity or attraction), wear costumes, play music (cannot be too loud if near homes), etc. We will have the runners vote on the most spirited exchange point and the volunteers at that exchange point will receive some type of recognition.
Believe it or not, the volunteers have just as much fun as the runners. Like any other special event, we will need many volunteers to ensure that the American Odyssey Relay Run Adventure is a big success. We thank you for your interest and your help. The American Odyssey would not be possible without the support of volunteers.
"I was one of the volunteers for exchange point 35 of the Reno-Tahoe Odyssey. Is it possible for me to sign up now for that same spot next year? I have some great ideas for the most spirited exchange point contest for next year, and I think this is just the spot to make them work! Let me know if this is ok. Everything was a blast again this year! Thanks for all that you do to make it happen!!"
