Organization: Cellcom Green Bay Marathon

Volunteer Service: Since 2017

 

 

What is the mission of Cellcom Green Bay Marathon?

The Cellcom Green Bay Marathon is an annual race event that promotes a year-round active lifestyle, fosters community spirit and raises funds for local charities. The event supports two charity partners each year with staggered multi-year terms. This year the beneficiaries were the Greater Green Bay YMCA Full Circle Program and Greater Green Bay Habitat for Humanity.

 

What is your involvement with the Cellcom Green Bay Marathon?
I am an avid runner and have participated in many run/walk events. A good friend of mine became the event’s registration director in 2017 and asked if I could help. I gladly accepted the opportunity to support an event geared toward the running community. I had so much fun on race weekend that I’ve gladly volunteered ever since, even taking on additional responsibilities as the packet pickup lead.

 

What is the most rewarding part of volunteering?
For me, it is being there for other runners. There is a certain energy in seeing people achieve a goal they’ve been training for. At the finish line I see people crying, hugging, laughing and celebrating, and it’s rewarding to be part of their stories through my volunteerism.

 

Do you have any memorable race day experiences you’d like to share?
A couple of years ago, a gentleman was attempting to set a world record during the Cellcom Green Bay Marathon by rucking 100 pounds. Watching him cross the finish line was super cool; achieving a crazy goal like that is pretty amazing.

 

What have you learned about yourself through your involvement?
Being on the planning side of a large event allows me to see the bigger picture. What I do is just a small piece of the work—there are many others working just as hard to bring thousands of people together from runners to volunteers and spectators. It makes me feel like I’m part of something bigger than myself.

 

What advice would you give other colleagues looking to start volunteering?
Do something that makes you excited. When you find something that you really enjoy it sets your soul on fire and becomes a passion, not work. It will make you want to keep doing it. Every year, I see many repeat volunteers at the marathon because they’ve found something they want to be involved in and help others.