The New Albany Walking Classic hosts up to 3,000 participants, and it requires a sizable cadre of volunteers to keep everything running – er, walking – smoothly.
Volunteer coordinator Marianne Troutman says it takes 500 volunteers to run the Walking Classic. Some of the tasks volunteers help with include set-up and clean-up, participant registration, assisting food vendors and directing traffic in the parking lot. Volunteers are also posted along the race route to help direct and cheer on the racers.
“It’s something both my husband and I look forward to doing,” says Debbie Franz, who has volunteered with her husband, Rob, almost every year. “People seem to respond to it. I think it gives them a little energy.”
There will also be performers posted throughout New Albany so walkers and volunteers can enjoy live music during the event.
“There’s a celebratory feeling that is a part of every mile,” says Troutman, who has been a volunteer for seven years. “It’s a very contagious feeling. I don’t feel like I’m working; I’m having fun.”
Volunteering is a great way for children to get involved, since volunteers of all ages are welcome and no prior volunteer experience is needed.
“We have had children help their parents who are acting as course marshals to cheer the walkers along the route,” says Troutman.
Click here to sign up to volunteer. For more information, contact Marianne Troutman or call 614-783-4884.
Katie Ellington is a contributing writer. Feedback welcome at gbishop@cityscenemediagroup.com.
