Manchester Marathon needs volunteers for vital and exciting roles

This October, 40,000 runners will take to the streets of Manchester to run the Manchester Marathon and Manchester Half Marathon, one of the largest running events to take place post-pandemic.

Now one of the largest marathons in Europe and the second largest in the UK, the Manchester Marathon is hugely popular due to its fast, flat and friendly route, and the unrivalled Mancunian atmosphere. 

It has become a destination for keen runners from all over the country who are looking to nail a new personal best time, and many first timers find its supportive and unintimidating atmosphere the perfect place to achieve a life goal. 

Indeed, 2021 sees 14,000 of the runners challenging themselves to their first ever marathon.

This year, the Manchester Marathon is recruiting 1,500 volunteers to assist with a number of vital and exciting roles, from cheering on runners along the route, handing runners medals at the finish line or keeping them hydrated at one of the water stations, and much more. 

Volunteering offers a fun and dynamic way to engage with a sports event and has many individual benefits including meeting new people, learning new skills, boosting the positivity of others, and gaining different experiences. 

Volunteers will also play an important role in giving back to the Mancunian community. 

Following a year where the charity sector has seen its funding slow, the Manchester Marathon and Manchester Half Marathon have to date raised over £3,000,000 for charity, and bring an even larger financial benefit to local communities. 

In addition, £1 of every entry goes into the Trafford Active fund which helps local charities and organisations fund their needs. 

Earlier this year, £46,000 was awarded to local organisations to ensure they could continue to operate during the pandemic. 

“We are fully aware of the importance of our volunteers; our race simply wouldn’t be able to take place without them!” said Nick Rusling, CEO of event organisers Human Race Ltd.

“Every year we are blown away by the amazing spirit of Greater Manchester, and the generosity of volunteers, and we know this year will be no different. 

“In reward for volunteers’ valuable time, we will give a monetary donation of up to £40 per person to clubs, groups or organisations who bring a team of volunteers to the event (donation amount depends on the length of your shift).” 

With thousands of runners taking part in the race, Human Race Ltd have ensured there are a number of measures in place to prevent the spread of COVID-19, and ensure the safety of runners, crew and volunteers. 

These included a requirement to complete a health declaration before the event, proof of a negative lateral flow test, allocated arrival times, and an extended period for starting to ensure greater distancing.

For more information about how to sign up as a volunteer and play an important role over race weekend, please click below.