We engage more than 1,200 volunteers to assist us with various tasks for the Suncorp Bank Volunteer Program prior to the event at the ASICS Event Expo and on Event Day. It is the invaluable support both in the lead up and on the day that plays a major role in contributing to the enjoyment of the 35,000 participants who register for the event. For more information or questions you may have on volunteering with us please go through the Frequently Asked Questions outlined below or email the Volunteer Manager at volunteers@sydneyrunningfestival.org [1].
We hope to see you register to be a volunteer at the 2013 Blackmores Sydney Running Festival!
Before Event Day
How do I register to be a volunteer?
Click here to register online >> [2]
How old do I have to be to volunteer?
The minimum age is 12 years old; all persons between the ages of 12 to 18 must have the Application Form agreed to by their consenting Parent/Guardian. Persons under 12 are ineligible to volunteer at the Blackmores Sydney Running Festival. All persons between 12 to 18 years of age must also have an Event Day Supervisor to be present on the day; this person is responsible for the under-aged volunteer and must also be registered as a Volunteer for 2013.
What if I want to volunteer at the same location and in the same role as friend(s) or family member(s)?
This is definitely possible, all you have to do is choose a group name (e.g. Team A, Group Blue, The Smiths etc.) and all members of the family or group will need to write this on the Application Form. We will then try our very best to accommodate all members of 'Group Blue' for example at the same location with the same role.
How do I know what location and role I will be registering for?
The Volunteer Pages on the website go through in detail the various locations and roles that you are able to apply for as a volunteer. You are able to select your preference of location by choosing between one of the Venues or the Course/Drink Station Locations. Once you have provided your preference of location, find the corresponding Location and choose your Shift Role Preference. For more information on Venue or Course Locations Roles please visit:
- Pre-event Roles & Responsibilities [3]
- Venue Roles & Responsibilities [4]
- Course Roles & Responsibilities [5]
What should I take into consideration when choosing a location?
The event has an early morning start with the first race commencing at 6:20am with the earliest volunteer shift commencing at 5:00am. You will need to consider your start time and how you will get to your location.
Will I get my first preference of location and role?
We will try to give everyone their first preference in location and role but this isn’t always possible in every case as some roles are very popular.
How do I register to be a Team Leader or 2IC?
Please indicate this on your Application Form and contact the Volunteer Manager at volunteers@sydneyrunningfestival.org [1] or call 02 9548 2293 to show your interest and outline some brief experience in a similar role.
How will I know if my Application Form has been received?
Once you have submitted your application form you should automatically receive an email stating we have received your form. Keep this as a reference document as it can be used to help identify you when emailing/calling the Volunteer Manager with any issues/questions you may have.
When will I be receiving the final details for the day?
We will be posting out your ‘Event Day Roster’ from the beginning of August. The Mail Package will contain all important event day details that you will need to know such as:
- Event Day Roster (start time, location, role, who to report to, how to get there & important information)
- Volunteer Operations Guide (read through this to know the event, your job and who your team is)
- Full Course Map (showing you where to Check-In)
Will I be receiving any other information from now until the event?
Yes, approximately once a month there will be a Suncorp Bank Volunteer Program Newsletter sent out via email to all registered volunteers outlining any important information.
Do you have any training for this event?
Yes, there will be a brief training session held at the end of August/early September. If your role is a Team Leader, 2IC or Workforce Support the training session is mandatory, if your role is a crew member the training sessions are highly recommended. You will only be required to attend 1 training session. This training session will brief you about the event, your role and also give you the chance to ask any questions you have about the event or the day.
| Date | Training Session Type | Time |
| Tuesday 3 September | Start Venue Training | 6.00pm - 8.00pm |
| Wednesday 4 September | Drink Station Training | 6.00pm - 8.00pm |
| Tuesday 10 September | Course Marshall Training | 6.00pm - 8.00pm |
| Wednesday 11 September | Recovery Venue Training | 6.00pm - 8.00pm |
| Tuesday 17 September | Finish Venue Training | 6.00pm - 8.00pm |
Event Day
What time will my volunteer shift start?
Shift times will be confirmed to you in early August in your roster, generally shift times will be from 5.30am until approximately 12noon, with some locations starting and finishing slightly earlier or later.
How long will my shift go for?
Your shift length will depend on your location on the course or the venue and which events go past your location. Generally your shifts are 6 hours including set up, pack up and clean up.
How do I get to my location?
You will need to make your own way to your location. Some locations have parking nearby which you may be able to park in. Remember that there are many road closures on this day so please keep an eye out on these websites for updates on transport and road closures relating to the event on Sunday 22 September 2013. Plan your trip carefully to ensure you arrive on time at the right location. Your Event Roster sent in the post from early August will outline recommended Public Transport & Private Vehicle options too. www.131500.com.au/events [6] and www.livetraffic.com.au [7]
What should I wear on the day?
You will be given an event t-shirt and cap to wear, you will need to collect these from your Team Leader on arrival at your location. We ask that you wear comfortable pants or shorts and shoes such as joggers as there may be walking involved and standing on your feet for long periods of time.
What food/refreshments will be provided on the day and what should I bring with me?
A snack pack will be provided to all volunteers so ensure you collect this from your Team Leader or 2IC on the day, some locations will be provided lunch as their shift is longer than in other locations. Please also bring additional food and drink but remember that there is nowhere at the event to store personal belongings so only bring what is necessary.
Is there anywhere to store personal belongings?
No, there is nowhere to store your personal belongings at the event so please only bring what is necessary.
Can I register on the day as a volunteer?
No, to volunteer for the Blackmores Sydney Running Festival you will need to be registered before the day. You can do this at www.sydneyrunningfestival.com.au [8]
Will I have other volunteers working with me?
Yes, you will have other volunteers working with you. The only time you might be by yourself is if another volunteer is taking a short meal break or if you are a Course Marshal.
Benefits of Volunteering
What recognition will I receive?
You will be sent a Certificate of Appreciation and a Letter from the organizers a few weeks after the event.
What do I get for volunteering?
Other than having a great time and meeting new people, all volunteers will receive the following:
- An event T-shirt
- An event Cap
- A Snack Pack or Lunch
- Bottled Water
- Certificate of Appreciation
- Letter of Thanks from the organizers
For more information
- Please visit the website www.sydneyrunningfestival.com.au [8] and select the Volunteers tab.
- Email the Volunteer Manager volunteers@sydneyrunningfestival.org [1]
- Ring 02 9548 2293 and leave your name and contact number and we will get back to you within 48hrs