Key volunteer application

Thank you for your interest in becoming a key volunteer for the 2022 Bank of America Chicago Marathon!

Key volunteers are required to complete a brief online application by Friday, September 16, 2022 at 11:59 p.m. (U.S. Central Time).

Key volunteers…

• Are enthusiastic and dedicated individuals who want to gain more experience with the Bank of America Chicago Marathon.
• Help manage, lead and instruct groups of volunteers, often in conjunction with a team of fellow key volunteers and event staff.
• Commit additional time to the event for pre-race meetings and race weekend set-up as needed.
• Assist with race operations, processes and organization. Some key volunteers do not manage other groups of volunteers.
• Have previous volunteer experience with the Bank of America Chicago Marathon, Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle or another major racing event.
• Learn more about the characteristics of a key volunteer.

• Availability

  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 in late September
    • Wednesday, October 5: Expo setup (optional)
    • Thursday, October 6, Friday, October 7 and Saturday, October 8: Expo from 9:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

  Abbott Chicago 5K

  • • Friday, October 7: Event Briefing Conference Call (tentative)
    • Saturday, October 8: Approximately 5 a.m. to 10 a.m.

  Bank of America Chicago Marathon race day

  • • 2 -3 hours of pre-event training in late September
    • Saturday, October 8: Grant Park walk-through
    • Sunday, October 9: Race day shifts begin between 4 a.m. and 6 a.m. and last a majority of the day
• Roles

  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 6 through Saturday, October 8. Expo key volunteers one of the following areas: volunteer check-in, information, participant packet distribution or participant bag & t-shirt.

  Abbott Chicago 5K

  • The Abbott Chicago 5K takes place on Saturday, October 8 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 an information tent to provide event-related information to participants.

  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 one of three 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 one of the three pre-race hydration stations.  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.
  • 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.
• Application

  Application
  Please review the following information before completing the key volunteer application form.

  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 Friday, September 16, 2022 at 11:59 p.m. (U.S. Central Time).

  Apply now!

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

• Resources
  • Volunteer policies
  • Volunteer FAQs
  • Please direct questions to volunteer@chicagomarathon.com.