KEY VOLUNTEER APPLICATION

Key volunteers play a critical role in the success of the event, and their enthusiasm, support and dedication make race weekend a memorable experience for every participant. Key volunteers are responsible for overseeing volunteers and/or processes in specific areas of the event, often in conjunction with a team of fellow key volunteers and event staff. Key volunteers must be comfortable communicating with and leading volunteers of all ages and abilities. They need to help organize and improve their area and they invest additional time to the event for pre-race meetings and race weekend set-up. Do you have what it takes to be a key volunteer?

TEAM LEAD

Key volunteers should exemplify “TEAM LEAD” characteristics. This framework outlines our expectations for key volunteers.

TEAM:

Together, we can produce far better results than we can individually.

• Train/Teach: Clearly define goals and expectations for volunteers, contact volunteers in advance and ask for input to encourage team spirit.
• Energize: Create a positive environment, encourage volunteers to have fun and celebrate achievements.
• Appreciate: Regularly say “thank you” and provide positive reinforcement, build relationships so volunteers return next year and instill pride in a job well done.
• Manage: Delegate, train and communicate clearly throughout the shift. Make sure volunteers always feel comfortably busy.

LEAD:

Be prepared, proactive and responsible while empowering others.

• Listen: Listen with compassion, seek to understand than be understood, and treat everyone with respect and dignity.
• Excellence: Seek a world-class standard, strive to improve, go the extra mile and focus on service.
• Adapt: Be open to and ready for change, strive for the best, but have a plan for the worst. Always remain calm.
• Develop: Develop the talents of your volunteers and inspire them to find their potential.

If you are interested in becoming a key volunteer, please see below for more information and to apply.

Key volunteers must be available on the following dates based on their respective assignment:

Abbott Health & Fitness Expo at McCormick Place

• 2 -3 hours of pre-event training prior to the event
• Thursday, October 8, Friday, October 9 and Saturday, October 10: Health & Fitness Expo from approximately 7:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. each day

Bank of America Chicago Marathon race day

• 2 -3 hours of pre-event training prior to the event
• Saturday, October 10: Grant Park walk-through (depending on the role)
• Sunday, October 11: Race day shifts begin between 4 a.m. and 6 a.m. and last a majority of the day.

Roles

Please see below to review descriptions of each key volunteer role from the list below.

Volunteer policies

In order to gain an understanding of the expectations set forth for all event volunteers, please review the volunteer policies before applying.

Application review

New applicants and returning applicants requesting different role assignments will receive a phone call to further discuss their interest in the event, their relevant experience and where their talents can best be utilized race weekend. All applicants will be assigned based on event needs, qualifications, experience and availability, and assignments may differ from historical placement for returning key volunteers. Please note that the number of applicants often exceeds the number of key volunteer roles available.

Apply now!

In order to provide assignments and training before the event, the deadline to apply as a key volunteer is 11:59 p.m. (U.S. Central Time) on Friday, September 11, 2026.

Apply now!

If a general volunteer role better suits your schedule, please visit the volunteer homepage to view opportunities and register.

Volunteer Rewards

All key volunteers will receive volunteer reward points when they check in to volunteer. Reward Points can be redeemed for an array of items including Bank of America Chicago Distance Series branded merchandise, Nike running shoes and a complimentary entry to the Bank of America Chicago Marathon . To learn more, visit the Volunteer Rewards Program webpage.

Abbott Health & Fitness Expo

The Abbott Health & Fitness Expo is the first stop for many participants and is held at McCormick Place on Thursday, October 8 through Saturday, October 10. Expo key volunteers support one of the following areas: volunteer check-in, information booth, sustainability, packet distribution, bag and t-shirt distribution or general expo participant support areas.

Abbott Chicago 5K

The Abbott Chicago 5K takes place on Saturday, October 10 as part of the Bank of America Chicago Marathon weekend. Key volunteers provide support by overseeing general volunteers at the start line or finish line, or by being stationed at a zero waste station tent to support the events sustainability goals.

Bank of America Chicago Marathon race day

• Start line key volunteers oversee start corral volunteers and operations, providing instructions and management to keep participants organized as they advance through the start line.
• Finish line key volunteers work with other operations staff to manage two shifts of finish line volunteers and to ensure continuous participant flow and efficient distribution of materials. They will also assist with the set-up and/or clean-up of their respective stations.
• Information team key volunteers oversee teams of volunteers that roam throughout designated zones in Grant Park, where they will be responsible for answering event-related questions and directing participants and spectators to their key destinations.
• Information tent key volunteers are stationed in one of six information tents located in and around Grant Park, where they will be responsible for answering event-related questions and directing participants and spectators to their key destinations.
• Harrison Volunteer Compound key volunteers assist with various steps of the HVC volunteer check-in process, including check-in, uniform distribution, hospitality, gear check, volunteer guides and more. A reliable and efficient team is needed to deploy 3,000 volunteers throughout Grant Park.
• Green team key volunteers work with general volunteers in high traffic areas by directing participants and spectators to correctly recycle and compost specific products distributed by the event. Incorporating environmentally and socially responsible practices is an important part of the Bank of America Chicago Marathon.
• Gear check key volunteers oversee general volunteers and operations in event gear check facilities, where they will organize participant gear, provide efficient service, locate missing items and keep volunteers on task.
• Start hydration key volunteers are stationed at a pre-race hydration station. Tasks include supervising volunteers as they prepare and distribute Gatorade and water to participants, as well as assist with the setup and cleanup of the hydration station, as well as collection of reusable cups.
• Open to opportunities – Key volunteers who are flexible and open to roles anywhere need demands are highly sought after and always appreciated. Individuals without preference to an area could be placed on any of the teams mentioned above.

What is the age requirement for volunteers?

The volunteer age minimum is 14 years old and accompanying children are not permitted. We require that all individual volunteers be 14 years of age or older on the day they are volunteering. A parent/guardian must agree to the volunteer waiver for volunteers between the ages of 14 and 18. Children and young adults under the age of 14 are not permitted to accompany registered volunteers who meet the age requirement when they are volunteering. The event has the right to set different age minimums for designated positions.

How can I earn points for the volunteer rewards program?

Visit cemevent.com/volunteer/cem-volunteer-rewards-program to learn how you can earn points and for more details about the program.

Are walk-up registrations accepted?

No, walk-up registrations are not accepted. All volunteers must register online by 11:59 p.m. (U.S. Central Time) on Friday, October 2, 2026 or they will not be allowed to volunteer for the event.

What should I wear?

Volunteers are expected to dress in clothing appropriate for the work duties they have been assigned to perform. Always make sure to check the weather in advance! Wear closed toe shoes at all times and the current event attire logo hat, shirt or jacket, and shoes, if provided. When required, you must have visible appropriate and current event-issued credentials and/or ID vests and wristbands to be on the premises.

What is the volunteer uniform?

All volunteers receive their uniform at volunteer check-in. Abbott Health & Fitness Expo volunteers receive a long sleeve t-shirt and credential. Race day volunteers receive a track jacket, hat and credential. The volunteer uniform should be worn as the outer layer and the volunteer credential should be visible at all times. While we appreciate the desire of volunteers to represent the organizations they are volunteering on behalf of, we ask that you do not alter the uniform or wear items representing anything other than the event. This includes wearing hats, pins or items that represent your organizations. Volunteers play a critical role in the participant experience and we want to ensure a consistent look across all areas of the event so participants are able to easily identify race volunteers and officials.

What should I bring?

Make sure to bring a valid photo ID for Volunteer Check-In. Students are allowed to use school IDs. We strongly discourage you from bringing any personal belongings to the event. Gear check will be required for belongings that cannot be carried in a volunteer’s pockets. Please note that items larger than a standard backpack will not be permitted in the volunteer gear check.

Is food provided?

Snacks and meals are provided depending upon the time of day and duration of the volunteer shift. While we try to provide a range of food items, we cannot guarantee that meals will accommodate all dietary restrictions.

Transportation and parking

We encourage volunteers to use public transportation when possible. Please visit transitchicago.com for more information and to plan your trip. Recommended transportation options and parking options (when available) will be provided in the confirmation email.

How do I register as a volunteer?

Access registration from a volunteer webpage. Opportunities are posted at chicagomarathon.com/volunteer.

To access your volunteer portal, visit cemevent.rosterfy.com/login and enter your email and password.

Do I need to create a new account?

If you have volunteered since the 2021 Bank of America Chicago Marathon, you are considered an existing user. Existing users can sign in at cemevent.rosterfy.com/login. If you are a new user, you will need to create an account to register. Visit cemevent.rosterfy.com/login to create an account and view available opportunities. Please note if you are a part of a volunteer group, you should follow the instructions from your group leader to register.

Can I register for another volunteer?

Volunteers cannot register on behalf of another individual. Each volunteer will need to click ‘create a new account’ to register. Only one account can be created per email address.

How do I know if I am registered?

Upon registering, you will receive a confirmation email. Once you are registered, you will be able to view registered volunteer shifts on the dashboard of your volunteer portal.

What information can I access through my volunteer account?

• View details about your upcoming volunteer shifts
• Cancel your registration by clicking on the withdraw icon

How do I get my volunteers to register?

Email the registration instructions from the assignment email that you received from the Volunteer Team. If you cannot find it, email volunteer@chicagomarathon.com for assistance.

How do I keep track of my group?

Within your volunteer portal, click on the “View” button under “Groups I am Leading”. This will bring you to group leader mode which allows you see all of your registered volunteers. Use the search bars to find a specific volunteer.

I don’t think we will fill our shift. What should I do?

While group leaders are expected to recruit the number of volunteers they committed to bring, groups can still volunteer if they do not fill their shift. Notify the Volunteer Team at volunteer@chicagomarathon.com so they can plan accordingly.

When will my group receive more specific instructions?

• The Volunteer Team and/or your Aid Station Captain will communicate final information, including check-in location, parking and transportation options, preparation tips and more. All volunteer training takes place onsite.
• Group leaders are encouraged to follow up with their volunteers after receiving the official email to reiterate final details and share any instructions specific to your group.

Stay tuned! All registered volunteers will receive a race week confirmation email with location, check-in and preparation details.

If you have any questions, please contact your group leader or the volunteer team at volunteer@chicagomarathon.com or by phone at 312.796.8392.