obstaclemudrunner.co.uk
ForEliteAtheletes toFunRunners
28
RACE: SUPPORT
More than just a fluorescent jacket...
What’s really behind
the humble HARIBO?
We all know their true value. Without volunteers – THERE IS NO RACE.
Now would someone please get me a cup of tea?
Well, essentially, for us muddy bunch it’s a grateful
vision of a fluorescent jacket adorned by a member
of our community who has generously given up their
time to stand in a field for hours on end shouting light
abuse and words of encouragement.
A volunteers’ day, on average starts at around 6am
if not earlier (depending on distance to travel) and
sometimes even camped out the night before. Often
arriving on site for 7.30/8.00am, it’s an early start.
Briefings done and responsibilities delegated, our
willing volunteers are trundled off to where they will
be stationed for the remainder of the day.
As a volunteer, depending on where you are placed
and the distance of the course, it could be up to 2-3
hours before you see a single soul. The trees don’t
even answer back!
The sight of a runner who appreciates your very
existence let alone a Haribo or 2 is a welcome one
after what can be a lonely time spent standing in,
more often than not, that lovely, gooey brown stuff we
all love so much. Yes, that’s right, MUD. Sometimes
award winning mud, who’d have thought it eh? Up to
your ankles in the stuff just to help others, because
you want to and because you can.
If you’re lucky enough to be positioned by an
obstacle you can pass some of the time monkeying
around on that until the seriousness of your
responsibilities kick in.
Ultimately, although you are there on a voluntary
basis, it is your “job” to encourage and support your
runners along and advise them safely over your
section, whatever that may be.
In the unlikely event your obstacle becomes unsafe,
use your common sense, take responsibility and
SHUT IT DOWN. Act immediately before it’s too late.
Radio through your actions (if you have one) but do
not hesitate, you could put runners at risk and no one
wants that. You won’t get in trouble for making the
right decision and as disappointing as it can be, we
all know deep down that harsh decisions have to be
made, if it’s the right one.
So, back to a volunteers’ day and it literally can be
that, ALL day!
A bite to eat as and when you can, a quick drink here
and there, a wee visit to the ladies/gents in the shape of
a bush or tree that may protect a little bit of your dignity
or spend the rest of the day with your legs crossed.
Runner after runner, cheer after cheer, clap after
clap, well done and more well done’s. You’re doing
great, keep going, hello handsome (just kidding)
woohoo, 1st lady, not much further, fantastic effort,
great job, you’re near the end, that’s 1k done, be
careful, hold on tight, do your best, brilliant try, job
well done, you make that look easy, it’s really ok to
miss it if you feel you can’t do it, it’s your race and
you’re here to enjoy yourself... The quotes can go
on and on but my point is that not every person is
the same, we are all individual and will approach an
obstacle in many different ways and with different
levels of ability and attitude. It is a relentless task but
one which is extremely rewarding, or so I think.
If only 1 person benefits from your input, that’s still
1 persons’ day you made better and that’s a job well
done in my eyes.
The humble offering of a Haribo or 2 is a simple one
but to someone whose energy levels are depleting, is
just about getting by on co pilot or is losing the will to
carry on, you may have, just may have, made their day.
Let’s also remember that those generous bods who do
provide goodies in the mud, do so at their own cost.
It is of course not mandatory for a volunteer to
provide anything but good spirit but for those who do,
it’s an added bonus for those who need it.
So, next time you’re out on course, lets remember a
little thank you to our volunteers. Not only to those
who provide sweets but to those who give up their time
for YOU.
