Greetings Volunteers! Bet you didn't think you were going to get homework, did ya?
Here's some
REQUIRED READING....
http://disneyworldsports.disney.go.com/dwws/en_US/enthusiasts/detail?name=EnthusiastsMarathonRolesEventDetailPage
Since most of us are doing water stops, here are the WS instructions...
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Water Stop Stations:
Materials (awaiting you at your station):
- tables - pouring vessels
- cups - stirring sticks
- water - rakes
- sports drink - push brooms
- gloves - trash bags
- coolers / mixing vessels
PROCEDURES:
1. Set up the tables on the sides of the race route. DO NOT set table in the race lanes.
2. Open water and fill cups directly. Fill appropriate coolers with water for sport drink missing. When making the sports drink, read the package instructions. MIX AT HALF STRENGTH. For example, if 1 pack per gallon is prescribed; mix 1 pack per 2 gallons of water. If sports drink is in bottles, mix equal amounts of water and sports drink in coolers.
3. Fill cups only 2/3 full, do not overfill.
4. Fill as many cups as possible prior to the runners arrival. YOU WILL NOT HAVE TIME TO POUR INDIVIDUAL DRINKS! For the early stops (Water Stations #2 - #9) the runners "pack" will be tight and the "bubble" will be extremely large. This means a large number (in the thousands) will approach your stop at the same time. Pre-pour as many drinks as you can ahead of time.
5. Set water containers/empty boxes away from the path of the runners.
6. Delivery of fluids to the runners is critical. Attempt to "hand off" fluids to runners whenever possible. Some runners will want to pick up cups from the table. GLOVES SHOULD BE WORN !
7. Each water station should be set up the same way. Sports Drink first and Water second. SHOUT the name of whatever you are handing out to the runners, so they know what they are taking. (Note: runners tend to take water early on in the race and electrolytes - sports drink (Powerade) - later in the race. Early Water Stations will have more tables set with water than the later stations).
8. Hand runners the cups by standing at either end of the tables, so as not to obstruct runners from getting to the table for cups. Stand along the sides of the race route, do not stand in the middle of the race. Hold the cup at the bottom or by the upper rim of the cup so the runner can make full contact with the body of the cup. Allow your arm and hand to give with the movement of the runner in a smooth motion. It is not uncommon for liquid to spill or the cup to crush as the runner takes it. If this happens, don't worry, there are other tables and other stops - do the best you can.
9. Constantly have people filling cups to replace those taken. You should have an equal number of “fillers” and “distributors”.
10. Distribute boxes for runners’ trash about 20 feet from each other. Many times a runner might not gulp their water, therefore if there is boxes for trash 40 feet there will be less to pick up after the race.
11. Without obstructing runners, you should attempt to pick up trash as frequently as possible. Tossed cups can be a hazard for the runners.
12. Watch for runners who are in need of medical attention. Call for assistance or escort the runner to the nearest medical tent.
13. Towards the end of the race it becomes as much a “mental” challenge as it does a “physical” challenge. Your words of encouragement are critical. Make eye contact, tell them they're doing great (even if they don't look it). Do not tell them how much further they have unless they ask!
14. Once all of the runners have passed your station, your Team Leader will notify you to breakdown the tables. Pick up all trash within your area, bag all plastic containers separate from cups and other garbage, for recycling purposes. Break down all boxes, and place along with the bags on the side. Gather any unused custodial supplies together. Custodial and distribution will collect all trash, and water stop items.
15. Team Leaders will take beginning and ending inventory of remaining items. This is so we can monitor was is actually used and will help out the team leader tomorrow at that station.
16. If there comes a time when there are too many individuals handing out water, position yourselves down the course and cheer for the runners as they go by. Some areas can not accommodate spectators, so you are the ones out there to keep them going.
17. HAVE FUN! Many runners look forward to water stations, and the liquids are a critical factor in their overall performance. You are playing a key role in the overall performance of the runners and the success of the race in general.
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When we are bussed to the Volunteers Staging Area (by the corrals) we will meet up with our Team Leads who will also be reviewing the above instructions.
(And if you're lucky, you're TL will even know where your WS is! Riiiight, Kristi, Jim and Angie??????
)
) and I think I'd like to volunteer... but does this mean I'd miss watching him cross the finish line?
, 2008 Water Stop #2 Red volunteers:
Quite frankly, I think that's pretty rude and not at all in the spirit of the day. 
