Volunteers are critical to the success and safety of the Navigator Triathlon.  The race atmosphere is exciting, and volunteers will find they enjoy being a part of the fun!  The athletes are very appreciative of volunteers and know that the race wouldn’t happen without them  Don’t be surprised if the participants thank you over and over again.

If you volunteer we urge you to be energetic and enthusiastic, but above all, HAVE FUN!

There are many ways to volunteer for the Navigator Triathlon, from distributing posters to data entry to registration and race day jobs.  Send us an email to let us know how you’d like to help.  All volunteers receive a t-shirt!

Typical Volunteer Jobs:

Swim Course (on water):  We will have kayaks and canoes on the lake during the swim portion of the race.  People who volunteer in this area will be directed by the “Swim Coordinator” to take a specific position along the swim course.  They will basically have two jobs:

1) Allow swimmers who need assistance to hang onto their boat.  Boats will be positioned along the entire swim course so that assistance is always nearby.  Athletes may rest during their swim by hanging onto a boat, but once they exit the water they are disqualified.  They can’t change their mind and get back into the water to finish the race.

2) The water safety volunteers watch for any swimmers who are having trouble.  Triathletes are instructed to wave their hands above their heads if they need assistance, with their swim cap in their hand if possible.  Each watercraft will have a whistle and orange flag.  If there is a problem, the volunteer will blow the whistle and wave the flag.  One of the immediate response watercraft can then come in to assist.  In addition, each watercraft will be equipped with a life vest or other flotation device that can be tossed to a swimmer who needs assistance.  In a medical emergency, the Swim Coordinator will be in radio contact with the medical response team on the shore.

Swim Course (on land):  These volunteers will help direct athletes to the start line and check off numbers before the race begins.  They will make sure the athletes are lined up in swim start heats according to pre-assigned colored swim caps.  At the end of the swim volunteers will direct athletes to the bike transition area.  In addition, these volunteers help keep spectators off the race course. 

Bike Course:   Volunteers will be assigned to various intersections and turns along the bike course.  They will direct athletes to turn the appropriate way at intersections and assist with traffic control.  The turns will be marked on the road with bright colored chalk and there will be directional signs on the sides of the roads.  Volunteers will be equipped with bright orange flags and vests.

** It is important that the volunteers do not wave the flags.  Simply point the flag in the direction the participants will be turning. 

** Police will be stationed in any intersection that requires vehicular traffic to stop and yield to bikers. 

Run Course:  Volunteers on the run course will direct athletes at turns so they stay on course.  Volunteers may have orange flags.

Transition Area:  The transition area contains the bike racks.  Before the event the transition area volunteers will be available to answer triathlete’s questions and will be positioned at the two entrances to the transition area.  They will help keep spectators out of the transition area at all times. 

During the event the volunteers will direct participants out of the appropriate exits of the transition area.  They will continue to keep spectators out of the transition area.

Timing:  The Navigator Triathlon will be timed using the state-of-the-art ChampionChip Timing System.  Timing volunteers will make sure all participants pass through the timing chutes so that they go across the timing mats.  Volunteers will also make sure nobody tampers with the timing mats or boxes.

In addition, timing volunteers will be at the finish line where they will remove the velcro ankle bracelet off of each participant.  The ankle bracelets contain the timing chip, which must be returned before exiting the finish line chute.  No participants will be allowed to exit the finish line chute without removing the ankle bracelet.

Body Marking:  Participants must be marked so they can be identified as they exit the water after the swim portion of the race.  Body marking is done to assist USA Triathlon officials and photographers.  Participants are marked with black magic marker and volunteers will write the racer’s number clearly and legibly on both arms and on both upper legs.

Refreshments:  These volunteers assist with setting up and serving food and beverages to racers after the event. 

Parking:  Parking is very limited at Sloppy Floyd, so volunteers will assist with parking in the field at the entrance to the park.  They will also remind all drivers of the Park Pass ($3) required for each vehicle.

Aid Stations:  Aid stations will be set up throughout the run and bike portion of the race.  Volunteers typically hand the participants a cup of water or sports drink.  Some stations may have energy gel or other food items.  Volunteers will be responsible for cleaning up the cups and returning the trash to the park trash bins.  In addition, each aid station will be equipped with a first aid kit and volunteers will be in contact with medical emergency staff.

Packet Pick Up & Registration:  Volunteers are needed for packet pick up on Thursday (11-6), Friday (12-8), and Saturday (5:30-7:30 am).  At this time, participants will check in and receive their official race bib number, packet of information, t-shirt, swim cap, etc. 

Pre-Race Volunteers:  Volunteers are needed in the days and weeks before the event to assist with data entry, hanging posters to promote the race, course set up, etc.