Volunteer Training

Volunteer shifts at the Race Expo
Thursday, October 12 – Saturday, October 14

EXPO – Virtual Race Kit Stuffing

Manager: Kri 

Training Notes: 

  1. Volunteers will be assisting the team in assembling race kits for all virtual participants. 
  2. Race kits will consist of a shirt, medal, and partner products. 

This position in one word: Kit-tastic! 

Medal Unwrapping

Manager: Heather 

Training Notes: 

  1. All the medals will be individually wrapped and in boxes. Open boxes, unwrap the medal. 
  2. Once 25-30 medals have been unwrapped, zip-tie them together, leaving enough room for the zip-tie to be cut. 
  3. Place the bundle of 25-30 medals in the green ‘frog box’. Repeat step 1 & 2. 
  4. Each box will hold 150-180 medals (6 bundles of 25-30). 
  5. Once the green box is at its capacity, label the box, close and push to the side. Start a new green box. 

Note: The space will be divided into 3 sections for the 3 DIFFERENT types of medals:  5K, Half Marathon and Marathon. The medals must stay separated, and the boxes must be clearly labeled. 

This position in one word: gold-digging! 

Expo Greeter

Manager:Rachel / Kathryn Garett

Training Notes: 

  1. The Area Manager will take you to a pre-determined location in the Expo. 
  2. You will be provided with a clipboard that contains site maps and a list of Frequently Asked Questions. 
  3. For questions about the City of Toronto, you can direct them to the Tourism Toronto kiosk found in the Race Kit Pickup area. 
  4. Direct participants to the Help Desk kiosk for questions you do not have an answer to. 

This position in one word: Smarts! 

Expo Race Kit Pickup

Manager: Rachel (Friday) / Heather Daly (Saturday) 

Training Notes: 

  1. You will be responsible for a section of bibs in a numerical sequence. 
  2. Participants will line up in front of your kiosk based on their bib number. 
  3. Participants will need to know their Bib # (will be emailed on Monday, October 9th and available for look up at the expo). With their bib number, they will require either a piece of Photo ID or a printout of their registration email confirmation (or copy on their smart phone). 
  4. Participants can pick up for a friend/family member if they have their bib number and an e-mail, text or written permission from the friend or family member. If picking up for friends/family, they can only do so for a maximum of three (3) including their own packet. 
  5. Locate their envelope/race bib in the bin and confirm the person’s information before directing them to the T-shirts kiosk found at the back of the Expo. 
  6. Participant transfers, corral changes and distance changes can be made at the help desk kiosk located in the same race kit pickup area as you. 

This position in one word: Bib-tacular! 

Expo T-Shirt Distribution

Manager: Rachel (Friday), Heather Daly (Saturday) 

Training Notes: 

  1. We have three (3) sections – Marathon, Half-Marathon and 5k. 
  2. Shirts will be labelled and organized by size and gender on tables.  
  3. Participants will approach the kiosk with their bib envelopes. You can find their selected shirt size on the top left corner. You can call out to another volunteer behind you for the shirt size. The volunteer will gather the shirt and baggage bag to give to you. 
  4. You can place the shirt in the baggage bag and hand it to the participant. 
  5. Shirt exchanges can be made after the race at the Help Desk tent in Nathan Phillips Square (post-race party site area) after 8:45am. 
  6. You may also restock your shirt station when the shirts get low. Please break down any empty boxes so that the station remains neat & tidy. 

This position in one word: Swag! 

Setup Volunteers
Saturday, October 14

Food Station Setup/Finish Line Setup

Manager: TBC

Training Notes: 

Food Station 

You will be unpacking food items and preparing for their distribution to Participants after the race. Below are the tasks involved: 

  1. Preparation:  
    1. Separate bananas from their bundle 
    2. Open boxes of food items and pour into larger bins for distribution 
    3. Remove any extra packaging from food items to create individual servings 
  2. Clean up 
    1. Consolidate remaining items 
    2. Breakdown cardboard 

Banners 

  1. You will begin at the soon-to-be Finish Line, at the corner of Bay and Albert. There you will meet Heather and the other experienced Supervisors. 
  2. You will be divided into smaller groups and lead by a supervisor to an area in the Finish Chute to hang scrim/banners on the fencing (using zip-ties). Some scrim will need to be rolled out and placed on the ground before applying to the fencing. Banners have a specific location to be hung, which a supervisor will advise you on. 
  3. Once the banners are hung, the spare end of the zip-ties will need to be cut, picked up and placed in the garbage. 

This position in one word: Scrimptious! 

Volunteer shifts on Race Day
Sunday, October 15

Course Water Station

Training Notes:

  1. Place tables 2-3 metres apart. This spacing keeps runners from bunching up.
  2. While you place the cups, another volunteer can begin to fill the cups half way with water. They will take one of the jugs provided, dunk it into one of the large barrels of water, and then pour the water into the cups. The cups should be filled halfway, not full.
  3. Approx. 200 cups cover 1 table. Place stacking sheet on top of first layer of cups and start another layer.
  4. ALL volunteers should wear the gloves provided while filling and serving cups.
  5. Hold bottom of cup when presenting to runners. As the participants begin to take cups of water from the tables, you will replenish the empty spaces with new cups of water.
  6. Volunteers will pick up cups around your water station so that it remains neat and tidy. All cups will be placed in garbage bags. Step or squash the garbage bags (to condense the cups), you will have extra garbage bags in the water station kit. 
  7. White cups should be filled with water, Nuun cups should be filled with Nuun.  

Cup Filling Tips 

  • WEAR VINYL GLOVES FOR FILLING AND SERVING CUPS 
  • Cups should be filled ¾ full 
  • Use the provided jugs to fill cups (do not dunk cups into the Nuun or water Tub) 
  • Fill tables with cups, create a second layer using the cardboard sheets 

Nuun 

  •  Nuun bins will be pre-filled and dropped off at the water station. If you need more Nuun, mix it as follows: 
  • Add water to the ‘fill’ line (approx. 3 inches below the top)  
  • Mix 4 packages of Nuun tablets into the tub, stir vigorously to dissolve the powder 
  • Stir thoroughly to complete the mixing. 

This position in one word: Aqua-mazing! 

Start Line

Supervisor: Heather/Kri

Training Notes: 

  1. Supervisors will divide you into smaller groups and train you in your role. There are 2 main volunteer roles PER corral:  A/ ensure participants get in the correct corral B/ Hold the corral rope 
  2. Corrals: 
    1. Corral Entrances will be identified by numbered signs (both sides of the start chute). You will stand at the back of the corral, based on the letter you are assigned. As participants approach the entrance to the corral, you will be looking at the letter on their race bib. Only participants with the letter that matches the corral you are in can enter. For example, if you are assigned to letter D, you will look at the participants’ race bib and if you see the letter D, you will let them in. If they don’t have the matching letter – you will point them in the right direction or ask your Supervisor for the correct sticker to attach to their bib. 
    2. If you are a corral rope holder, you will hold part of a long rope, waist high, along with approximately 3 other volunteers, to form a line. The participants are going to line up behind the rope you are holding. For example, if you are the Corral D holder, you would be standing in a line, holding the rope, with all of the Corral D participants behind you. Once the race starts, your Corral Supervisor will tell you when you can walk forward, still holding the rope, advancing your corral to the next waiting or starting position.  Once you’re at the start line and your corral is waiting to start the race, you will exit the start chute and meet up with your supervisor. 
      1. Once each of the corrals have started the race, you will be required to help tear down the start area. 

Clean-up Instructions 

  • Garbage bags, Clear bags and vinyl gloves will be provided by your Supervisor 
  • All garbage will go in black garbage bags 
  • All clothing will go in clear bags (to be donated) 
  • Remove any banners/scrim/corral signs and make sure all plastic zip-ties are picked up. Do not pull the scrim/banners down, the zip-ties must be cut 
  • Place all full bags of garbage & clothing on the west sidewalk of University, at the start line 

This position in one word: start-ling! 

Heat Sheets

Supervisors: Lily

Training Notes: 

  1. You will begin with setup by pulling the silver heat sheets out of the box, one at a time and setting them up in the barricades. 
  2. Heat Sheets are for half marathon and marathon participants only. 
  3. When the participant approaches the Heat Sheet Distribution area, hand 1 blanket to each participant. They may not want one. 
  4. Congratulate them! 
  5. Get another heat sheet and repeat. 

This position in one word: Heartwarming! 

Medal Distribution

 Supervisors: TBD

Training Notes: 

  1. You will begin by hanging the finishers medals on hooks, on the fencing, in the designated medal area (medals will already be unwrapped, however will be in boxes) 
  2. The Race Day Supervisor will assign you to a specific distance (5K, Half Marathon or Marathon) of which medal you will hand out. You will know which distance they completed by their race bib (each race has a different colour).  When the participant approaches the medal distribution area, offer to put it around their neck (1 medal per participant.) They may want you to hand it to them instead. 
  3. Participants pushing a stroller will only receive 1 medal. 
  4. Congratulate them! 
  5. Get another medal and repeat. 

This position in one word: Golden! 

Elite Athlete Escorts

Manager: Ian 

Training Notes: 

  1. Volunteers will begin their shift by meeting athletes in the Elite Lounge, located under the stage at Nathan Phillips Square. You will help escort the athletes from the lounge to the start corral. 
  2. Athletes will warm-up in the start chute, and you will help collect their warm-up clothing before the start of the race. You will carry the collected gear back to the Elite Lounge after the start, once the chute it clear. 
  3. At 10:15am, escorts will move to the finish chute to await the finish. Elite Team Managers will assign certain athletes to you. When your assigned athlete is ready, you will escort them back to the Elite Lounge to await the start of the awards ceremony (12 noon). 
  4. After the awards ceremony you may be asked to help escort athletes to the Hotel and/or Athlete Press Conference. Only certain athletes will be required to attend the Press Conference. 
  5. After the Press Conference, athletes are dismissed. 
  6. Return to the Elite Lounge and help clean-up the area until released. 

This position in one word: Elite (enough said) 

Media Escorts

Manager: Ian 

Training Notes: 

  1. Volunteers will begin their shift by meeting our Media Manager in the Media Room, located in the Sheraton Hotel. As various media members check-in, you will help direct them to various locations throughout the morning. 
  2. After checking-in at the Media Room, escorts may be tasked with leading members of the media to the start line, finish line, awards stage and/or the press conference, depending on their specific coverage needs. 
  3. After the press conference, help clean-up the Media Room until released. 

This position in one word:  Elite

Finish Water Station

Manager: Chris 

Training Notes: 

  • There will tables assigned specifically to Nuun (electrolyte) and water.  
  • White cups should be filled with water, Nuun cups should be filled with Nuun.  
  • You will begin by taking a sleeve of cups out of their box and placing them, one-by-one, onto the table. The cups should be placed as close together as possible so that the entire table is filled. 
  • One person can place the cups, while another volunteer can begin to pour the water or Nuun into each cup. You will use one of the milk jugs provided, dunk it into one of the large bins of water or Nuun, and then pour into the cups – only filling the cups 3/4 to the top. 
  • Once 1 table is filled, you will move onto the next table, until all the tables are filled. 
  • Once all tables are filled, you will place a sheet of cardboard over each table of cups & then continue this process to create a 2nd layer. 
  • As the participants begin to take cups from the tables, you will replenish the empty spaces with new cups of water or Nuun. 
  • You may also be required to pick up used cups around your station so that it remains neat and tidy. 

Other Notes about the position: 

  • Runners will be finishing the 5K, half marathon and marathon and will walk past the Water and Nuun stations when they are done 
  • Tables need to be constantly restocked 
  • You can stand beside the table and hand out water & Nuun but NOT in the middle of the chute – it will become VERY busy. 
  • Congratulate the runners as they pass! 

Cup Filling Tips 

  • WEAR VINYL GLOVES FOR FILLING AND SERVING CUPS 
  • Cups should be filled ¾ full 
  • Use the provided jugs to fill cups (do not dunk cups into the water tub) 
  • Fill tables with cups, create a second layer using the cardboard sheets 

Garbage, Recycling & Compost  

  • Please separate the garbage, recycling & compost during setup and one of our crew will remove it before the participants arrive 
  • Step or squash the garbage bags (to condense the cups) and empty garbage bins as they fill up, you will have extra garbage bags in the water station kit 

This position in one word: Aqua-mazing! 

Party Site Food Station

Managers: JJ & Miguel 

Training Notes: 

There are a few different Volunteer roles within the Food Station. Below are the different roles and their key function: 

  1. Direct participants who are standing in the food line to the next available food station. Note: there are multiple stations, each with the same food items and the same set up. 
  2. Distribute food items to participants. Note: 1 of each item per participant. Participant must be wearing a race number. 
  3. Replenish food items – when a box/bin containing a food item is empty, replace it with a full one. 
  4. Stand at the food area exit point and tell participants that it is an exit only. 
  5. Stand in front of the food area, with a megaphone, and direct participants into the lines. 

This position in one word: B-A-N-A-N-A-S 

Baggage Check

Manager:TBD (Half Marathon), TBD (Full Marathon), TBD (5K)

Training Notes: 

  1. Participants will have the option to check their bag while they run their races 
  2. Volunteers will be divided among Marathon, Half Marathon and 5K Baggage check by the Baggage Captains depending on their shift 
  3. Receive bags from participants and place them within the baggage check fences based on the bib number sticker attached to the bag 
  4. During the down time while runners are doing their race, go through bags and make sure they are in the correct sections based on number so returning bags will be quick and efficient and they will be easy to find 
  5. As participants come up to baggage check after their race, look at their bib number and find the bag that matches that number 
  6. Clean up all garbage around the baggage area before being dismissed 

 This position in one word: Engaging! 

Live Results

Manager: Brenden 

Training Notes: 

  1. Once participants finish the race, almost everyone is interested in knowing their finish time. 
  2. You will be responsible for scanning a participant’s bib at one (1) of the stations available. 
  3. A participant’s chip time will be shown on a TV screen once you scan the bib. 
  4. Congratulate them on a great run! 
  5. Results can also be found on our website: www.tcstwm.ca  

This position in one word: Insta-worthy! 

Party Site Greeters

Managers:Jess Ecklund & TBD

Training Notes: 

  1. Familiarize yourself with the Greeter Maps and Notes (included on clipboards provided) 
  2. The Greeter Managers will split the group up into pairs and will begin to distribute you according to the Greeter maps included. Depending on your shift, the Managers may come by and reposition you based on the time. 
  3. Once positioned, you will be responsible for answering any questions from runners and/or spectators or directing them to someone who has the answer (Most of the answers should be in the Greeter Notes, but, if you don’t know something, make sure you know where you are relative to the Help Desk and you can send them there politely so they can get the answer they need). 
  4. Stay positive, be helpful, and smile! 
  5. After your shift has ended, your managers will come to gather you and bring you back to the Volunteer HQ. At that point, you can return your clipboard and get a volunteer letter (if necessary). 

This position in one word: Helpful! 

Party Site Water Station

Manager: JJ & Miguel

Training Notes: 

  1. You will begin by taking a sleeve of cups out of their box and placing them, one-by-one, onto the table. The cups should be placed as close together as possible so that the entire table is filled. 
  2. While you place the cups, another volunteer can begin to fill the cups with water. They will take one of the jugs provided, fill it with water from one of the large barrels, and then pour the water into the cups. 
  3. Once 1 table is filled, you will move onto the next table, until all the tables are filled. 
  4. As the participants begin to take cups of water from the tables, you will replenish the empty spaces with new cups of water. 
  5. Nearby, there will be a large vessel of water available with individual spouts so participants can re-fill their cup if they desire. 
  6. You may also be required to pick up garbage around your station so that it remains neat & tidy. 

This position in one word: H2O-M-G! 

Green Team

Manager: James (GEN) 

Training Notes: 

  1. The Green Team’s main job will be to assist in the setup, execution and cleanup at all waste areas (garbage bins, recycling bins, Compost Bins and signage). 
  2. You will work with the company Green Event Ninjas to create a clean and sustainable venue in our efforts to reach Evergreen status (highest achievement) for the Counsil for Responsible Sport 
  3. Volunteers monitor all garbage, compost and recycling containers. Volunteers should understand where all materials should be placed and proper recycling procedures. Keep sites well maintained. 
  4. Maximize collection of and reduce contamination of recyclables. Ie. Bin Upkeep If recyclables have been placed in the garbage, remove them and place them in the nearest recycling bin and visa versa. The same goes for composting. 
  5. Place recycling, compost and trash receptacles together; there should never be one receptacle without 2 others. This will reduce contamination and increase the volume of recyclables. 
  6. Use clear plastic bags as liners for recycling bins and compostable bags for compost bins. This allows for identification and removal of contaminants. Putting garbage in opaque black bags makes it visibly distinct from recyclables and compost. 
  7. Volunteers should staff all of the recycling locations to provide information and remove contaminants. 

This position in one word: Green-tastic! 

Marathon Jrs

Manager: Andrea 

Training Notes: 

  1. The Marathon Jrs area is located to the left of the City Hall front entrance. 
  2. Volunteers will be helping spot and direct Marathon Jrs. runners after they have completed their race, while others will help pick up and set up the food & water. 
  3. Once all runners have come in, you will help distribute food & water, and assist with general cleanup of the area. You will also help take down tables and clean up the area after the Marathon Jrs. runners depart their area. 

This position in one word: Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious! 

5K Start Line, 5K Start Greeters, 5K Water Station

5K Start Line 

Supervisors: Erin & Francois 

Training Notes:

  • Supervisors will divide you into smaller groups and train you in your role. There are 2 main volunteer roles PER corral colour: 1) Ensure participants get in the correct corral & 2) Hold the corral rope. 
  • Corrals: 
  1. Corral Entrances will be identified by coloured flags. You will stand at the back of the corral, based on the colour you are assigned. As participants approach the entrance to the corral, you will be looking at the colour panel on their race bib. Only participants with the colour panel that matches the corral you are in can enter. For example, if you are assigned to the YELLOW corral, you will look at the participants’ race number and if you see the YELLOW panel, you will let them in. If they don’t have the matching colour – you will point them in the right direction or ask your Supervisor for the correct sticker to attach to their bib. 
  2. If you are a corral rope holder, you will hold part of a long rope, waist high, along with approximately 4 other volunteers, to form a line. The participants are going to line up behind the rope you are holding. For example, if you are the YELLOW Corral rope holder, you would be standing in a line, holding the rope, with all of the YELLOW corral participants behind you. Once the race starts, your Corral Supervisor will tell you when you can walk forward, still holding the rope, advancing your corral to the next waiting or starting position. Once you’re at the start line and your corral is waiting to start the race, you will exit the start chute and meet up with your supervisor. 
  3. Once each of the corrals have started the race, you will be required to help tear down the start area. 

Important Notes 

  1. Participants using Nordic Poles MUST start in the green or purple corral. 

Clean-up Instructions 

  1. Garbage bags, Clear bags and vinyl gloves will be provided by your Supervisor. 
  2. All garbage will go in black garbage bags. 
  3. All clothing will go in clear bags (to be donated). 
  4. Remove any banners/scrim/corral flags and make sure all plastic zip-ties are picked up. Do not pull the scrim/banners down, the zip-ties must be cut first. 
  5. Place all full bags of garbage & clothing on the south sidewalk of Lakeshore, at the start line. 

This position in one word: start-ling! 

5K Start Greeters 

Managers: TBD 

Training Notes: 

  1. Familiarize yourself with the Greeter Maps and Notes (included on clipboards provided) 
  2. The Greeter Managers will split the group up into pairs and will begin to distribute you according to the Greeter maps included. Depending on your shift, the Managers may come by and reposition you based on the time. 
  3. Once positioned, you will be responsible for answering any questions from runners and/or spectators or directing them to someone who has the answer (Most of the answers should be in the Greeter Notes, but, if you don’t know something, make sure you know where you are relative to the Help Desk and you can send them there politely so they can get the answer they need). 
  4. Stay positive, be helpful, and smile! 
  5. After your shift has ended, your managers will come to gather you and bring you back to the Volunteer HQ. At that point, you can return your clipboard and get a volunteer letter (if necessary). 

This position in one word: Helpful! 

5k Water Station 

Supervisor: Francois 

Training Notes: 

  1. You will begin by taking a sleeve of cups out of their box and placing them, one-by-one, onto the table. The cups should be placed as close together as possible so that the entire table is filled. 
  2. One person can place the cups, while another volunteer can begin to pour the water into each cup. You will take one of the jugs provided, dunk it into one of the large bins of water, and then pour the water into the cups – only filling the cups 3/4 to the top. 
  3. Once 1 table is filled, you will move onto the next table, until all the tables are filled. 
  4. As the participants begin to take cups of water from the tables, you will replenish the empty spaces with new cups of water, as needed. 
  5. You may also be required to pick up used cups around your station so that it remains neat and tidy. 

Cup Filling Tips 

  • WEAR VINYL GLOVES FOR FILLING AND SERVING CUPS 
  • Cups should be filled ¾ full 
  • Use the provided jugs to fill cups (do not dunk cups into the bin of water) 
  • Fill tables with cups, and keep the tables stocked as cups are taken 

Garbage & Recycling 

  • Please separate the garbage & recycling during setup and place it neatly behind the tables (out of the way). Our crew will pick it up during clean-up. 
  • Step or squash the garbage bags (to condense the cups) and empty garbage bins as they fill up, you will have extra garbage bags in the water station kit 

This position in one word: Aqua-mazing! 

Course Marshal

  • Arrive at your location at the beginning of your shift time and put on your the safety vest provided; you must wear this at all times.
  • You will be greeted by your Marshal Captain, who will outline your marshal tasks at your specific post.
  • During the race, participants have the right of way over other pedestrian traffic. Your role is to safely direct participants along the course and to manage pedestrian traffic in the area.
  • Position yourself where you’ll be most visible to oncoming runners. Use clear motions with your arms to wave runners in the appropriate direction.
  • When the last participant has passed your location, you will be relieved by your Marshal Captain or a Course Official. At this time, take a few minutes to stack any cones in your area and leave in a neat pile for our crew to pick up.
  • Give your safety vest back to your marshal captain before you go home.

This position in one word: Thrilling!

Finish Line Teardown

Supervisors Finish Line: Kri & Heather

Supervisors NPS: TBC 

  • When you arrive, you will be briefed by one of the finish line supervisors.    
  • You will be using snips to remove banners & scrim from the finish line barricades and fencing.  The scrim and banners will then need to be rolled and folded.  
  • You will assist with general teardown of the finish line – tents, tables, supplies, etc  
  • You will move to the party site and continue to remove & fold scrim.  

One word – Let’sdothis!