Volunteering at the Willow

Without volunteers events like this simply could not happen. From setting up aid stations to sweeping each role is crucial helping runners achieve their goals.

Set-up and Registration

Saturday, May 3, 2024
Start: 5:45 AM
Finish: 8:30 AM

Location: Large Picnic Shelter near the visitor center (Google Map)
Report To: Race Director

Set up tables, check in runners, pass along bib and swag, clean up registration area

Start/Finish Line

Saturday, May 3, 2024
Start: 8:30 AM
Finish: 12:30 p.m. (Flexible)

Location: Large Picnic Shelter near the visitor center (Google Map)
Report To: Race Director

Work with the RD and other volunteers to help track finishing times, hand out awards, and assist runners who have just finished the race.

Aid Station

Saturday, May 3, 2024
Start: 7:45 AM (first runner coming near 8:00)
Finish: noon (Flexible)

Location: Enter the main gate (purchase a day pass) and take the first right to the parking lot above the falls. The aid station at the top of the trailhead takes you down to the falls.  (Google Map)

Report To: Aid Station Captain

Aid station supplies will be dropped off before your arrival.

The 20-milers will visit the aid station twice and the 10-milers once. Supplies will include a variety of foods and liquids for the runners.

Course Marshal One

Saturday, May 3, 2024
Start: 7:30 AM
Finish: 10:30ish AM

Location: Willow River State Park

The runners will be coming toward you. We want them to take a left and go to the area above the falls. Once they have completed this area, they will return to you to cross the bridge over the falls.

This fork should be marked clearly, but some people get sucked in by the falls and ignore the course markings.

Arrival: 7:30 am
The initial group of 20 milers (who begin at 7 a.m.) will arrive at 7:30/8; then, around 8:30/9, the large group of 10 milers (who start at 8 a.m.) will begin to arrive.

Departure: 10:00 am (estimate)
This is not an exact time, and please watch for the last of the 10 milers to ensure they have found their way. Having run through this area once, the 20 milers should be Ok.

Be sure to bring a chair, music, water, and snacks.

Course Sweeping

Saturday, May 3, 2024
Start: 9:30 AM
Finish: TBD

Location: Large Picnic Shelter near the visitor center (Google Map)
Report To: Race Director

Course sweeping is a delicate and vital task at a race event. We want to ensure that the last runner has the same experience as the first and isn't pushed along by sweepers. Keeping out of sight and mind is essential.

If a runner is distressed, you must notify the RD and help the runner return to the next aid station or finish line.

Secondly, the sweeper is responsible for picking up markers along the course and notifying the aid station that they can close. 

Must be comfortable running/walking 10 miles.