Volunteer FAQ

 

What exactly is a triathlon? 

A triathlon is a race combining swimming, biking, and running.  Distances and event order vary, but are typically in the order listed here. 

 

What do I get for volunteering?

You get an official event t-shirt for volunteers as well as your name entered into a door prize drawing just for our volunteers!  Best of all, you get that warm fuzzy feeling for helping the YMCA raise funds for the Partners Scholarship Program! 

 

How do I get there and where do I go? 

The race is located at Independence Park (3919 Liberty Dr.) in Pearland, TX.  You should park in the parking lots for Pearland High School (3775 South Main) and walk across Pearland Parkway to the park.  You should report to the volunteer table under the pavilion for your instructions and tshirt.

 

What volunteer opportunities or positions are there?
These are the positions typically available on race day (unless otherwise noted), and you may be asked to do more than one of them based on need and your availability.  Some jobs take very little time, some take most of the morning.  For example, if you are asked to do Body marking, you will be finished with this job before the race starts, and you might then be reassigned to the transition area or a water station. 

• Packet stuffing (done the week before the race)
• Packet pickup (Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday)
• Race Setup (Saturday and Sunday)
• Parking support
• Transition area support
• Bike course control
• Run course control
• Run aid stations
• Swim course
• Body marking
• Medical
• Post Race
• Volunteer services

We will try to be very accommodating to requests and the more volunteers we have, the easier it is to meet your requested assignments so please bring a friend to volunteer as well!  Have to make your church service that morning?  No problem!  We have assignments starting as early as 5 am so you can volunteer and still make it to church on time!

 

After registering through the website and shortly before the race, you should receive an email telling you what time to report to the volunteer table, and possibly what task you have been assigned. 

How long do I have to be there?
You will be assigned to a team that will perform a specific service on race day, and the time required for that team/service will vary, but will last approximately 2-4 hours.  If you can’t stay that long, please let us know and we will find something for you to do that will not require as much time, or organize your team such that someone will be replacing you when you have to leave.  We will have volunteer needs from early in the morning through early in the afternoon, and you can stay as long as you like--we can always find more work to be done!  If your team is through with it’s service and you would like to help some more, check back in at the volunteer table for a new assignment.

 

Can I volunteer and do the race?
You can volunteer and race.  Please let us know if you intend to do so.  We have volunteer needs before race day for packet stuffing and registration.  You might also be able to help with the event after the race completes.

 

What do I do if it rains on race morning?
Come out anyway!  The race should go on rain or shine!

Where do I check in?
There will be a volunteer table dedicated to all volunteer needs and checkin/checkout. 

What if I want to volunteer then watch someone finish/start?
Let your team leader know and they will arrange for you to go watch the finish.

 

If it seems like we are done should I just take off?
Let your team leader know if you are finished and would like to leave.  If you would like to help out some more, check back in with the volunteer tent and we will find another assignment for you.

How do I sign up to volunteer?
If you are willing to volunteer please send an email to volunteer@yfreedomtri.org with the following infromation.

First Name; Last Name; email address; day phone; evening phone and one of the volunteer coordinators will contact you about volunteer opportunities.