Volunteer Opportunities Abound for San Antonio Marathon Weekend

The inaugural San Antonio Marathon weekend is just over a week away, taking place from December 5-7, 2023. This event, hosted by San Antonio Sports, features a three-day lineup including a Friday night 5K, a bustling expo on Saturday, and both half- and full-marathon races on Sunday. To ensure the success of these events, the organization is seeking hundreds of volunteers to assist throughout the weekend.

Longtime volunteer and runner Heather Hepp emphasizes the significance of supporting athletes along the course. “You’re giving back to the community and you’re helping someone succeed,” Hepp stated. “You don’t know — it could be the very first time somebody is running a marathon.” Her experience as a volunteer and runner allows her to appreciate the impact that encouragement can have on participants.

The enthusiasm for the marathon has surpassed expectations, according to Jenny Carnes, President and CEO of San Antonio Sports. “We’re anticipating over 18,000 registrations across our three events — our 5K, half, and full marathons,” Carnes noted, expressing her satisfaction with the community’s support. Despite the high number of participants, the organization still requires additional volunteers.

Key Areas for Volunteer Support

Carnes highlighted three critical areas where volunteers are especially needed. “We need quite a few more people to come out and help us at our 5K on Friday night,” she said. “We also need volunteers at the expo, and then at the finish line — which I think is the most rewarding place to volunteer, as you see all those runners cross the line.”

For some individuals, volunteering has ignited a passion for running. Dan Andrews, a San Antonio Sports volunteer, shared his journey: “After volunteering a couple of years, I decided that seeing the people picking up their packets — if they could do it, I could do it.” Andrews completed his first half-marathon four years ago and has continued running since.

San Antonio Sports invites individuals, groups, and teams to join the effort in making the marathon weekend a success. Those interested in volunteering can find more information on the official San Antonio Sports website.

The San Antonio Marathon weekend promises not only to showcase athletic talent but also to foster community spirit through volunteer engagement. As the countdown begins, the call for volunteers remains urgent, ensuring that this inaugural event leaves a lasting legacy in the San Antonio area.