General Discussion Triathlon Talk » IMKY Volunteer Shortage Rss Feed  
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2008-08-21 3:48 PM

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Member
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2525
Kentucky
Subject: IMKY Volunteer Shortage
I am sure it is a huge task to get enough volunteers for every IM race but I don't remember getting a plea like this last year from the organizers. It has been mentioned on here before how busy Louisville is going to be next weekend with the World Fair, UK vs U of L, Ironman, Mayor's Hike and Bike, oh yeah and it is a holiday weekend.

Here is the email I received. If you know anyone in Louisville or family members that want to kill sometime then this might be a way to see you in transition, on the course, etc. For people traveling with a crew from out of town then early registration might be a good way for you to relax while having your jockstrap folks helping with the race.




As you know, the Ford Ironman Louisville is upon us. Next week, we will be
hosting over 2,000 athletes who will compete in the Ironman event.
I think all of us who are helping hope to make this event a success for each
and every athletes who begins the race on Aug. 31st. But we have a problem.
Right now, there are still HUNDREDS of volunteer spots that remain unfilled.

For this event to be successful, we MUST have the proper amount of
volunteers in place at every job. Otherwise, it can potentially become very
dangerous, very quickly. We must step up and properly serve these athletes.

This email is to make you aware of volunteer shifts that need some help.

Here are some of the bigger needs:
• Athlete Check-In on Thursday and Friday at the Galt House (both shifts on
both days need help)
• Morning Clothes Bag Collection on Sunday morning at Tumbleweed
(4:30am-9:30am)
• Morning Clothes Bag Retrieval on Sunday on Sunday at the Convention
Center (both shifts need LOTS of help)
• Course Marshals on Sunday out on the Bike and Run Course
• Men's and Women's Changing Tents on Sunday at the Great Lawn (3p-
6:30p shift)
• Bike Catcher on Sunday at the Great Lawn (11:30a - 3p)
• IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO WORK AT A WATER STOP ON THE RUN COURSE,
CONTACT ME DIRECTLY.

And if you are a part of a group, or know of a group, that would like to
volunteer, please contact me asap.
There are donations available for non-profit 501(c)(3) groups that volunteer.

Here's how to sign up to volunteer (again):
1. Go to this link:
http://www.doitsports.com/volunteer2/jobs-by-date.tcl?event_id=1554...
2. Check the box/boxes next to the shift(s) you would like to add.
3. Click "signup".
4. Fill out the form, agree to the waiver, and that's it!!!

THANK YOU!!! Now let's pull together and make this event the best it can be.

David Buckner
Director of Volunteers
Ford Ironman Louisville
502.693.3231 (cell)
[email protected]


2008-08-21 3:53 PM
in reply to: #1619723

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Extreme Veteran
536
50025
Russiaville, IN
Subject: RE: IMKY Volunteer Shortage
I think being on Labor day weekend makes it a little harder to find volunteers, there is always a lot going on. WTC now has no on site registration, which kills a lot of volunteers, I know hundreds of people go to IMFL every year and volunteer and sign up for the race the next day.

2008-08-21 3:53 PM
in reply to: #1619723

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Subject: RE: IMKY Volunteer Shortage
Uh, that sucks - one more thing to worry about! I sent it on to my family folks but my husband can't help as he will be watching 2 kids all day! I guess the whole Labor Day weekend thing is really biting them in the but.
2008-08-21 3:56 PM
in reply to: #1619723

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Champion
5345
500010010010025
Carlsbad, California
Subject: RE: IMKY Volunteer Shortage

I Wonder if the recent policy change WRT On Site Registration has anything to do with this:

http://www.beginnertriathlete.com/discussion/forums/thread-view.asp?tid=125185&posts=17&highlight=Registration&highlightmode=1#M1557979

I am volunteering for Arizona so that I can register on site but will be volunteering for IMCal 70.3 for fun and for free. Even if I could not register for Arizona on site, I would probably still be volunteering

2008-08-21 4:06 PM
in reply to: #1619723

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Expert
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Subject: RE: IMKY Volunteer Shortage
Uh, looks like we don't have to worry about penalties, they still need like 20 draft marshalls for the bike. I would also allow LOTS of time for athlete check in, the volunteer NEED numbers are still high for that one.
2008-08-21 4:09 PM
in reply to: #1619723

Regular
99
252525
TwinCities, MN
Subject: RE: IMKY Volunteer Shortage

Maybe this will make them rethink the no onsite registration over the next few days.



2008-08-21 4:33 PM
in reply to: #1619723

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Master
2202
2000100100
Canton, Michigan
Subject: RE: IMKY Volunteer Shortage
The switch to Labor Day weekend this year is what prevented me from coming down and being a volunteer. I really wanted to see the event and help out but it doens't work with my work schedule due to the change and getting time off on a holiday weekend isn't easy.
2008-08-21 5:11 PM
in reply to: #1619723

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Master
2014
2000
Ohio
Subject: RE: IMKY Volunteer Shortage

I just shot off an email to the volunteer director telling him I'm willing to take a second shift. Question, What does a bike course marshal do? I realize some of them drive motercycles with observers on the back looking for drafting and passing penilties. Anything else?

I don't trust anyone to drive me around on the back of a motorcycle and doubt anyone would trust me with theirs. I don't want to sign up for that postiton if that's what I'll have to do.

2008-08-21 5:33 PM
in reply to: #1619836

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Extreme Veteran
427
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St. Louis, MO
Subject: RE: IMKY Volunteer Shortage
Course Marshalls on the bike course are going to be on course directing traffic, controlling spectators and pointing athletes in the right direction........just FYI.... and I happen to know that there are plenty of draft marshalls already lined up....those are paid, not volunteer, positions......

When I got this e-mail, I (and my wife) added two shifts....now I will be catching bikes from noon to 3 and I will be haunting them mens change tent from 3 to 6:30 so if you hear someone urging folks to get the heck out of here and keep on movin', you'll know who it is!! Plus I'll be in the finish chute from 7 to midnight!

See you all soon!

Paul
2008-08-21 6:12 PM
in reply to: #1619723

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Member
51
2525
Bloomington, IN
Subject: RE: IMKY Volunteer Shortage
I'm in for two shifts catching bikes, and my wife will be an MD in the med tent. Hope to see all of you at the first and hear about none of you at the second.
2008-08-21 6:23 PM
in reply to: #1619723

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Extreme Veteran
510
500
Louisville KY
Subject: RE: IMKY Volunteer Shortage
I had a feeling this was going to happen, just way too much stuff happening that weekend. I forwarded the email to the Louisville Bicycle Club email list and already got a few replies. I plan to add a few more shifts, they should really consider moving it off the holiday weekend.


2008-08-21 6:38 PM
in reply to: #1619855

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Master
2014
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Ohio
Subject: RE: IMKY Volunteer Shortage

Tri-Wog StL - 2008-08-21 6:33 PM Course Marshalls on the bike course are going to be on course directing traffic, controlling spectators and pointing athletes in the right direction........just FYI.... and I happen to know that there are plenty of draft marshalls already lined up....those are paid, not volunteer, positions...... When I got this e-mail, I (and my wife) added two shifts....now I will be catching bikes from noon to 3 and I will be haunting them mens change tent from 3 to 6:30 so if you hear someone urging folks to get the heck out of here and keep on movin', you'll know who it is!! Plus I'll be in the finish chute from 7 to midnight! See you all soon! Paul

Thanks. I really didn't want to be on a motorcycle anyway. Like I said, don't trust anyone to ride on the back. Directing traffic, I can do.

2008-08-21 6:57 PM
in reply to: #1619963

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Expert
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Subject: RE: IMKY Volunteer Shortage
David tri's - 2008-08-21 6:38 PM

Tri-Wog StL - 2008-08-21 6:33 PM Course Marshalls on the bike course are going to be on course directing traffic, controlling spectators and pointing athletes in the right direction........just FYI.... and I happen to know that there are plenty of draft marshalls already lined up....those are paid, not volunteer, positions...... When I got this e-mail, I (and my wife) added two shifts....now I will be catching bikes from noon to 3 and I will be haunting them mens change tent from 3 to 6:30 so if you hear someone urging folks to get the heck out of here and keep on movin', you'll know who it is!! Plus I'll be in the finish chute from 7 to midnight! See you all soon! Paul

Thanks. I really didn't want to be on a motorcycle anyway. Like I said, don't trust anyone to ride on the back. Directing traffic, I can do.


Thanks for clarifying, I saw marshall and asumed draft - I thought that was a little sketchy not having the usat officials yet!!
2008-08-21 6:58 PM
in reply to: #1619723

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Expert
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Subject: RE: IMKY Volunteer Shortage
PS - It can not be said enough - THANK YOU! to all those out there volunteering for us - you all are simply the best!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
2008-08-21 9:08 PM
in reply to: #1619855

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Expert
913
500100100100100
St. Louis
Subject: RE: IMKY Volunteer Shortage

Tri-Wog StL - 2008-08-21 5:33 PM Course Marshalls on the bike course are going to be on course directing traffic, controlling spectators and pointing athletes in the right direction........just FYI.... and I happen to know that there are plenty of draft marshalls already lined up....those are paid, not volunteer, positions...... When I got this e-mail, I (and my wife) added two shifts....now I will be catching bikes from noon to 3 and I will be haunting them mens change tent from 3 to 6:30 so if you hear someone urging folks to get the heck out of here and keep on movin', you'll know who it is!! Plus I'll be in the finish chute from 7 to midnight! See you all soon! Paul

 Very cool of you, Paul!  I'll be aiming my bike at you, buddy.

 ~B

2008-08-21 9:15 PM
in reply to: #1619723

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Extreme Veteran
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Subject: RE: IMKY Volunteer Shortage
That is too bad about not having enough volunteers. I know last year they had a ton...at least it seemed that way as a participant.

I'm sure being Labor Day weekend has hurt and unfortunately not having a chance for volunteers to sign up the next day I'm sure has hurt as well.

I've considered coming down with some friends that are doing the race and volunteering but it is a hard weekend to leave the family. Also, last year the race was the week before school starts up here..this year we'll be into the school year and that makes it tough as well.








2008-08-21 9:31 PM
in reply to: #1619723

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Pro
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NorCal
Subject: RE: IMKY Volunteer Shortage

THANK YOU FOR VOLUNTEERING!!!!!!  I'll be looking for one you to catch me during the last shift at the finish line. 

2008-08-22 6:56 AM
in reply to: #1619723

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Champion
10157
500050001002525
Alabama
Subject: RE: IMKY Volunteer Shortage

You guys that are volunteering and increasing the number of shifts are good people.  This race would totally suck if not for all the Sherpas out there helping us.  If I pass a volunteer and fail to say thank-you, feel free to whack me upside the head and say "Hey, how about a little thanks here!". 

Thanks Guys! 

~Mike

2008-08-22 7:00 AM
in reply to: #1619723

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Veteran
248
10010025
Mooretown, Ontario Canada
Subject: RE: IMKY Volunteer Shortage
agreed, volunteers are the greatest.
Thanks so much to all of you.

FishHog
2008-08-22 8:40 AM
in reply to: #1619723

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Member
53
2525
Kentucky
Subject: RE: IMKY Volunteer Shortage
aw shucks, you guys just talked me into a 3rd shift... I'll be in the changing tent from 1130 -3
2008-08-22 9:16 AM
in reply to: #1619723

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35
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Mansfield, TX
Subject: RE: IMKY Volunteer Shortage
THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU to all you good folks stepping up to the plate and volunteering, taking extra shifts, and finding more volunteers.


2008-08-22 9:21 AM
in reply to: #1620775

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Expert
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Findlay, OH
Subject: RE: IMKY Volunteer Shortage
politicalhero - 2008-08-22 9:40 AM

aw shucks, you guys just talked me into a 3rd shift... I'll be in the changing tent from 1130 -3


That is too cool! Thanks to all the volunteers!!
2008-08-22 10:54 AM
in reply to: #1619723

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Champion
10471
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Dallas, TX
Subject: RE: IMKY Volunteer Shortage
THANK YOU to everyone who are doing double shifts and working to find more volunteers for this race. Us racers REALLY appreciate it!
2008-08-22 11:14 AM
in reply to: #1619723

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Master
1376
1000100100100252525
Chicago
Subject: RE: IMKY Volunteer Shortage
A big thanks to everyone who volunteered.  Races like these couldn't happen without you. 
2008-08-22 11:17 AM
in reply to: #1619723

Extreme Veteran
597
500252525
Atlanta, GA
Subject: RE: IMKY Volunteer Shortage

Thanks to all the volunteers! Especially the ones who are taking on two and three shifts. I am going to really try to remember to thank all the volunteers when I'm in Lou next weekend.

Speaking to the no on-site registration thing, I know three people that were planning volunteer shifts that backed out after the announcement. I'm guessing there were more cancellations than the three I know about. I sure hope others who decided not to go to Louisville after the announcement took the time to notify the race crew so they have an accurate number of volunteers.

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