Tuesday, April 30, 2013

On Volunteering at the Color Run


Do you like getting covered in color, meeting new friends, and getting a free t-shirt, but you aren't so keen on running? Then I highly recommend volunteering at the Color Run when it comes to your city! On Saturday my roommate Valeri and I went down to St. Louis to volunteer at the Color Run. We had no idea what we would be doing, but we got lucky and were assigned to be "color throwers," the people who pelt the runners with colored corn starch along the race course. Despite the fact that mother nature rained on us for most of the time, we had an awesome experience and can't wait to go back next year!

Now, anyone who knows me can tell you, when I get excited about doing something, I research the crap out of it. I make lists, read review blogs, watch YouTube videos, and basically gather as much information as I possibly can. However, when it comes to the Color Run, there seemed to be tons of advice for runners, but not a whole lot for volunteers. So, here I present to you a list of tips for Color Run Volunteers:
  • Show up to check in a little early. We showed up about 15 minutes early and we were asked where we wanted to volunteer.
  • If you have some sort of delusions that you will be less messy than the runners, you couldn't be more wrong. As such, bring a full change of clothes. Like, down to your underwear. Everything you wear while volunteering will end up in a trash bag in your trunk.
  • On that note, bring a trash bag to put your dirty clothes in. Your car will thank you.
  • Bring wipes and/or washcloths and gallon jugs of water to clean yourself off with after the race.
  • Bring cash for parking. Most Color Runs are held in large cities where you will have to pay to park, and most lots/garages won't take cards.
  • On that note, bring your ID and bank card.
  • Make sure to eat before you arrive and make plans to eat right after you leave. You'll be wiped out and super hungry.
  • Dress to work, you'll probably be doing more manual labor than you think. Along with throwing color, we helped to do all of the set-up and break-down for the orange color zone which included unloading and assembling flags and inflatables as well as unrolling tarps on each side of the track and hauling around barrels of color. What I'm saying is, a sundress and flip flops aren't going to cut it.
  • Bring sheets or drop cloths to cover your car's seats. Unless you're after a custom rainbow-colored interior. 
  • Make friends with your fellow volunteers, be enthusiastic, and have fun!
Volunteering was a really great time and I highly recommend it for almost anyone (little kids are probably a no-go, but the 12+ set will have a blast!)! So sign up to volunteer, get a free shirt, and have an awesome day!