VOLUNTEER TESTIMONIALS

What it means to be a B.A.A. Volunteer

If you have a story or comment to share about your volunteer experience, please send it to Mary Miller at mmiller@baa.org . We look forward to hearing from you!

"I had a great time helping the BAA for the 10k and being part of team Marshal! I loved the importance of the tasks we had and was glad to help contribute to such a prestigious race. You can always sign me up again for such events anytime!" - Clarence Ismey, 2016 10K Volunteer

"This was my first year as a volunteer. I have to admit that I was disappointed when I first got my assignment because it was not my first choice. However, it turned out to be an amazing assignment! I had a wonderful time with the runners and other volunteers. I had the opportunity to meet runners from all over the world.  It was a wonderful experience to talk from people from many different countries and cultures that were there to participate in the Boston Marathon. It is something that I would have not had the opportunity to experience without volunteering for the marathon. I am already looking forward to returning next year.  I will definitely be requesting the Bus Loading assignment next year!" - Kathleen Trantham, 2016 Bus Loading Volunteer, Boston Marathon

"I just wanted to say thank you so much for the opportunity to volunteer at the BAA 5K! I was initially assigned to the start area, but while waiting to go to work I was asked with others to help at the medals presentation area because additional help was needed to unload and prepare the medals. It turned out to be the most fun I've had at a race, especially because most of the bibs had the runners' names, so I could present the medals with a personal greeting and congratulations and see their big smiles! It was a great experience, and part of a fun and memorable marathon weekend." - Glenn Michael, 2016 5K Volunteer

"Your volunteers are the best ever, from Boston Commons bus loading to the athletes village and all the way into Boston. And so are the profoundly dedicated families & folks who line every inch of the course (this year in the rain & wind) to support us, give us energy & strength, and help us on our way. Their love of this race is palpable. What I’d like to tell them is this: runners have the better view. They don’t know how awesome they look to us. They may not realize how awesome they really are – we couldn't run without them. We get to glimpse fleeting views of empathy, love, commitment and compassion; we can feel the unity and oneness because they make us part of it all, and that spirit surely flows out to a world in need of healing." - Carolyn Bujak, 2015 Boston Marathon Finisher

"They were truly amazing yesterday. They exceeded the endurance level of any marathoner.  Having coached for so many years, I can attest to the misery that is standing out in cold, wet, windy weather.They have undoubtable heard this many times, but it is true that their attitude, enthusiasm and commitment mean so much to the participants – and now I can say that as a participant. Please extend my heartfelt thanks to all of them who made my first (and last) Boston so terrific. " - Suzanne Walmsley, B.A.A. Employee, 2015 Boston Marathon Finisher

"I wanted to take a minute to say thank you to the B.A.A. for once again allowing me to be a part, albeit a very small part, in making The Boston Marathon happen this year. Every year I look forward to my volunteer assignment knowing that I am helping to carry on the tradition that is the Boston Marathon. When people think about marathons, the first marathon that comes to mind is Boston. To be able to be a part of it by volunteering is something that I consider an honor." - Kevin Yetman, 2015 Packet Stuffing Volunteer, Boston Marathon

"Thank you for all you do to make it happen. I've told you before...going up to Boston to volunteer for the Marathon is the best day of the year for me. This was my 15th year and nothing will stop me from helping out and seeing "my extended family" in the Medical Security Lane. I love being there rain, shine or whatever comes my way!" - Charles McHugh, 2015 Event Marshal Volunteer, Boston Marathon

"Love, love, love, love volunteering for you guys! Awesome time as a Course Monitor at 1/2 point! Thank you so much for allowing me to participate! I wish everyone could have the same opportunity. As a runner is the best to be able to give back to the community but even if I was a non-runner that is the best way to be a part of it! Looking forward to next year!!!! Thank you for all you do!" - Danny, 10K Volunteer

"For the past eight years I have been a bus greeter on race morning in Hopkinton. That is the place to be for greeting all the runners coming off the bus, seeing all my running partners from our running club in CT (Mohegan Striders), and answering all their questions and making sure thet get to the start line in time. That is where I want to be on race morning!" - Glenn Costello, Boston Marathon Volunteer since 2004

"I wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed volunteering at the B.A.A. 5K. It was exciting to be there and everything went very well. The other volunteers were terrific and every race competitor was polite and thanked us for being there. I would enjoy helping with this event again next year." - Carol Kuo, Boston Marathon Volunteer and 2014 5K Volunteer

"This was one of the best things I have ever done. Loved every minute. Plan to do it in years to come." - Patty Casella, 2014 Boston Marathon Parking Volunteer

"I'm continuously impressed with the level of communication, training, appreciation and seamless registration process." - Chandra Leister, Maine Track Club, 2014 Boston Marathon Volunteer

"We were very impressed on how everything came together. It was a humbling experience to be a small part of something very big." - Tim Vogelzang, 2014 Boston Marathon Volunteer

"I would be remiss not to mention all those FANTASTIC volunteers!!! They are what make Boston a world-class event! Thank you, again!!!!!" - Diana Babor, 2014 Boston Marathon Race Participant

"Volunteering at the Marathon was a WONDERFUL experience, and I can't wait to sign up again for next year! It was so well organized and everyone was just plain glad to be there. Thank you for all of your work putting it together!" - Kathy Pawley, 2014 Boston Marathon Volunteer

"What a great year! I have had the pleasure of running the marathon twice in past years and the honor of volunteering for the past two years. I am very impressed with the way you and your team orchestrate and manage the volunteer aspect. Keeping us updated and offering the supportive services were enormously valuable and appreciated." - 2014 Boston Marathon Volunteer

"It was an amazing experience and I am just so grateful for the privilege." - Alex Carleton, 2014 Boston Marathon Volunteer

"Thank you to you and your team for a great day!! You and your team make the day very enjoyable from the information you provide to the support that is offered. Thank you again and I look forward to seeing you again next year." - Sgt. Darren Weisse, Tufts University Police, 2014 Boston Marathon Volunteer

"I thoroughly enjoyed helping out at mile 14 and would love to do it again next year. It was a long, tiring day that was very much an awesome, rewarding experience. The managers for the team were great to work with." - Nate, 2014 Boston Marathon Volunteer

"Thank you for allowing me to share in the BAA Marathon experience. I was, and still am, amazed at the organizational skills of the BAA organizers and I am already, very much, looking forward to volunteering again for next year’s Marathon. It was a wonderful experience." - Jim McGuiness, 2014 Boston Marathon Volunteer

"Thank you!!!! It was AWESOME!!! Hard work BUT so worth it!!!!" - Joan Crane RN, 2014 Boston Marathon Volunteer

"It was a great experience and an indescribable experience that I am so grateful for." - Karen Kiczek, 2014 Boston Marathon Volunteer

"It was so meaningful to volunteer for the marathon! I will be back next year and the year after that and the year after that! Thanks for the opportunity." - M'Shell Patterson, 2014 Boston Marathon Volunteer

"What a special day! Thank you so much for allowing me to celebrate with everyone. I was overwhelmed by the joy present. Thank You....looking forward to volunteering next year wherever you need me. Go Boston....Yay Boston Athletic Association....thank you!" - 2014 Boston Marathon Volunteer

"WHAT A GREAT EVENT TO HAVE BEEN ABLE TO VOLUNTEER FOR!" - 2014 Boston Marathon Volunteer

“Thank you for giving me the wonderful opportunity to Volunteer. It was wonderful, positive experience and I enjoyed it immensely. I gave directions, took photographs, helped people find their loved ones, helped them put their clothes on, comforted the emotional and even meet people from my home town of Cork City, Ireland. If I'm not running myself next year I will be back to Volunteer again!” - Jackie Magner, 2011 Boston Marathon Family Reunion Volunteer

“Yesterday was one of the greatest days of my life, and the marathon event was only accentuated with the incredible support and assistance of the volunteers. Just the way they looked you in the eye and made the experience personal, and showed that they cared and were there to help. I left Boston feeling so great about the goodness of people that I know I will be back just to share in that magic again! Thanks to all for everything!” - John Manion, 2010 Boston Marathon Finisher

“It was wonderful to volunteer at the event. I volunteered in the Athletes Village and as the runners were heading to the starting line they were all thanking us for being there to help them. That made it all worthwhile, even in the cold of a 5:30 beginning hour. I'll be there again to volunteer next year.” - Deb Roussell, 2010 Boston Marathon Athletes Village Volunteer

“Thank you for allowing volunteers to help out the runners and their families. Working the marathon for the past three years has been a special event for me. The runners are very excited to run; anything people can do to help them is a blessing. I’m looking forward to the Half-Marathon later this year. Again, thank you from the bottom of my heart for allowing myself and others to spend their time to help others.” - Jenn Merzon, 2010 Boston Marathon adidas/B.A.A. Merchandise Sales Volunteer