Volunteer Details

Benefits of Becoming a Volunteer

Thank you for your interest in volunteering. Every person involved in the Bay Race adds to its rich history and tradition. We couldn’t host this historic race without awesome volunteers!

No experience is required—share your skills and learn new ones. As a volunteer you will meet new friends, have fun and assist in hosting the oldest road race in North America.

All volunteers must complete the volunteer form and waiver. Volunteers under 18 years of age must have parental/guardian consent. Volunteers under 16 years of age must be accompanied by an adult. The Volunteer Coordinator will contact past volunteers in Jan/Feb to confirm they are available for the Around the Bay Race.

All volunteers will receive an official volunteer shirt.

Volunteer in Groups

Reserve a Volunteer location for your group of 10 or more

Workplace—You and your co-workers can be involved by cheering on the runners or congratulating finishers by handing out medals. Contact us to hear of the many other opportunities available.

Schools & Clubs—Your band can play and/or your cheerleaders can cheer. Make it a competition, whether it is between schools or clubs. It’s a great way to fill your volunteer hours or community involvement. Get your Teacher, Leader or Student Union to contact us and join us in the fun.

Community—If your neighbourhood is along the race course, come out and support the runners. Set-up your own aid station (music, signs, water, cookies etc.) and cheer them on.

Family & Friends—Get a group together: it’s a great opportunity for you to spend time with each other and cheer on the participants.

If you are interested in volunteering as a group, please contact us at info@bayrace.com and we will help to assign your group to one of the available areas.

Volunteer Job Descriptions and Opportunities

Use the job descriptions listed below to help you choose where you want to volunteer. Consider asking your friends, coworkers and or family to join you. Volunteer shifts will be assigned on a first come, first serve basis.

You may volunteer in more than one area and as often as you wish. Every effort will be made to accommodate your selection. We appreciate your understanding if we place you in an area that was not your first choice.

Dress accordingly and wear comfortable shoes.

Registration / Packet Pick Up

Check-in race participants. Check that information (name, age and address) is correct. Assist participants and distribute race packet (bib and shirt) and other Expo activities. Volunteers will be provided with a shirt to be worn during their shift(s).

Course Marshals

Marshals will be stationed at various intersections and key points throughout the race course to make sure all participants make the correct turns. Ensure participants stay on course and have a successful, safe event. Keep spectators well outside the marked course area and cheer on all participants. You may be asked to help control some traffic where needed. All marshals will be provided with a traffic safety vest. Dress for the weather conditions outside—layer your clothing, be comfortable. Come prepared for anything.

Outside Marshal

Keep spectators well outside the marked course area and cheer on all participants. You may be asked to help control some traffic where needed. All marshals will be provided with a traffic safety vest. Dress for the weather conditions: layer your clothing, be comfortable. Come prepared for anything.

Finish Area Marshal

Keep participants moving through the finish line and food lines. Marshal all exits and spectators from coming onto the finish area.

Finish Line Medal

Volunteers will present all finishers with a medal at the end of the event. Follow instructions for awarding gold, silver and bronze medals. Assist in the clean-up of this area and congratulate everyone on completing the event.

Information Booth (Sunday)

Become familiar with the Race Day events and course maps. Participants will travel through Hamilton and Burlington. You should have a good knowledge of the downtown streets and surrounding area. Volunteers will offer information to participants, spectators and anyone who may need assistance.

Want to Volunteer but don’t know where?

Email info@bayrace.com and our volunteer coordinator will reply with some options.

Student Volunteers

We are looking for student volunteers who are committed to helping us stage a historic event. Remember to bring the proper form to document your hours and have the Bay Race Team Captain sign and confirm the completed hours before leaving. Volunteers under 18 years of age must have parental/guardian consent. Volunteers under 16 years of age must be accompanied by an adult.

Volunteer Your Ideas

If you have an idea or special talent you think would enhance the Around the Bay Road Race, please contact us at info@bayrace.com. Thanks in advance.

Sponsors Still Welcome

It is never too late to help Sponsor this event. All support, whether financial or service in kind, is greatly appreciated. Contact the Race Director at info@bayrace.com.

General Information

  • Each of you is critical to the smooth operation of the weekend events and creating a positive, fun experience for all who participate.
  • Visit our website at bayrace.com to learn as much as you can about the Bay Race and your volunteer area through the information provided.
  • If your assigned area is inside Tim Hortons Field, you will check-in at the Volunteer Room. All other volunteers will check-in with a Bay Volunteer Captain at the assigned area.
  • You will receive an official volunteer shirt at check-in or at your assigned area.
  • Please wear your official volunteer shirt where possible inside Tim Hortons Field—it helps to identify you as part of the Race Crew.
  • Volunteers working on Sunday should be prepared for an early start time and a long day.
  • Do not bring valuables or large items (bags, backpacks, etc.) to the expo. The expo is a large public event and we cannot be responsible for lost or stolen items.
  • Dress warmly and comfortably for the area in which you are assigned to work.
  • Stay in your assigned area and direct any questions to your Bay Volunteer Captain.
  • In case of a medical emergency of runners, spectators, or other volunteers, contact official volunteer medical personnel (wearing Red Medic t-shirts) immediately.
  • Focus on being helpful to all our guests—smile and be courteous at all times!


If you do not have a Race Roster account, you will need to create one with an email and password to register as a volunteer.

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Volunteer Details
Volunteer Details
Volunteer Details