2024 Detroit Free Press Marathon

Volunteer for the 2024 Detroit Free Press Marathon

Volunteers are essential to the success of the Detroit Free Press Marathon. They support participants and staff by distributing bibs and goodie bags, guiding runners, providing water, and handing out medals. With over 3,000 volunteers needed, it's a great opportunity for groups like sports teams, schools, or clubs to fulfill community service hours. We appreciate our volunteers' dedication and hard work!

For group volunteer inquiries, please email volunteer@freepmarathon.zendesk.com

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Course Monitor: U.S. Side

This key position is responsible for being the eyes and ears of the U.S. side of the course on race day. Monitors observe conditions on the course, including runners, spectators and traffic. Issues that need attention are addressed by the Monitors or reported to the proper race authority for resolution. In-person orientation meeting required. When possible, two people will be paired at a location. If you would like to be placed with a friend you can register together.

U.S. Side Section 1 Downtown Shift #1

Section 1 is identified as the downtown area of the course south of I-75 and west of 375. This shift of Monitors will be in their assigned positions until approximately 11:30 am on race day. Those interested in working both shift 1 and shift 2 in this section will stay in one location for the duration of the day. Please register for both shifts.

Detailed Responsibilities Include:
  • Attend a training session before race weekend: date, time and location TBD
  • Report to the Course Monitor section captain on the course on time to pick up last minute info, their volunteer shirt, a safety vest and a flag
  • Arrive at their appointed location on time, and remain at the post until relieved or until the completion of the race
  • Report course security violations and/or traffic and spectator control problems to nearby police officers and to the marathon Command Center
  • Direct and encourage participants, ensuring they stay on course (especially at turns, if applicable)
  • Report any medical emergencies to the Command Center using the communications protocol provided. Stay on scene to assist the police department and medical staff to secure the area
  • Assist medical personnel and equipment by temporarily moving barricades, if required
  • Return all race equipment (vest, batons, etc.)
  • Provide feedback to the Course Monitors Manager on how we can improve the race or the volunteer experience.
U.S. Side Section 1 Downtown Shift #2

Section 1 is identified as the downtown area of the course south of I-75 and west of 375. This shift of Monitors will be in their assigned positions until approximately 3:15 pm on race day. Those interested in working both shift 1 and shift 2 in this section will stay in one location for the duration of the day. Please register for both shifts.

Detailed Responsibilities Include:
  • Attend a training session before race weekend: date, time and location TBD
  • Report to the Course Monitor section captain on the course on time to pick up last minute info, their volunteer shirt, a safety vest and a flag
  • Arrive at their appointed location on time, and remain at the post until relieved or until the completion of the race
  • Report course security violations and/or traffic and spectator control problems to nearby police officers and to the marathon Command Center
  • Direct and encourage participants, ensuring they stay on course (especially at turns, if applicable)
  • Report any medical emergencies to the Command Center using the communications protocol provided. Stay on scene to assist the police department and medical staff to secure the area
  • Assist medical personnel and equipment by temporarily moving barricades, if required
  • Return all race equipment (vest, batons, etc.)
  • Provide feedback to the Course Monitors Manager on how we can improve the race or the volunteer experience

U.S. Side Section 2 Midtown and Woodbridge

Section 2 is identified as all miles north of I-75 and west of Woodward Ave in the Woodbridge and Midtown neighborhoods. Monitors will be in their assigned positions until approximately 1:30 pm on race day.

Detailed Responsibilities Include:
  • Attend a training session before race weekend: date, time and location TBD
  • Report to the Course Monitor section captain on the course on time to pick up last minute info, their volunteer shirt, a safety vest and a flag
  • Arrive at their appointed location on time, and remain at the post until relieved or until the completion of the race
  • Report course security violations and/or traffic and spectator control problems to nearby police officers and to the marathon Command Center
  • Direct and encourage participants, ensuring they stay on course (especially at turns, if applicable)
  • Report any medical emergencies to the Command Center using the communications protocol provided. Stay on scene to assist the police department and medical staff to secure the area
  • Assist medical personnel and equipment by temporarily moving barricades, if required
  • Return all race equipment (vest, batons, etc.)
  • Provide feedback to the Course Monitors Manager on how we can improve the race or the volunteer experience

U.S. Side Section 3 Brush Park and Dequindre Cut

Section 3 is identified as the Brush Park, Eastern Market and Dequindre Cut areas of the course. Monitors will be in their assigned positions until approximately 2:30 on race day.

Detailed Responsibilities Include:
  • Attend a training session before race weekend: date, time and location TBD
  • Report to the Course Monitor section captain on the course on time to pick up last minute info, their volunteer shirt, a safety vest and a flag
  • Arrive at their appointed location on time, and remain at the post until relieved or until the completion of the race
  • Report course security violations and/or traffic and spectator control problems to nearby police officers and to the marathon Command Center
  • Direct and encourage participants, ensuring they stay on course (especially at turns, if applicable)
  • Report any medical emergencies to the Command Center using the communications protocol provided. Stay on scene to assist the police department and medical staff to secure the area
  • Assist medical personnel and equipment by temporarily moving barricades, if required
  • Return all race equipment (vest, batons, etc.)
  • Provide feedback to the Course Monitors Manager on how we can improve the race or the volunteer experience
U.S. Side Section 4 Lafayette and The Villages Shift #1

Section 4 is identified as the area of the course that is east of 375 including Lafayette and in the Indian Village neighborhood. This shift of Monitors will be in their assigned positions until approximately 11:30 am on race day. Those interested in working both shift 1 and shift 2 in this section will stay in one location for the duration of the day. Please register for both shifts.

Detailed Responsibilities Include:
  • Attend a training session before race weekend: date, time and location TBD
  • Report to the Course Monitor section captain on the course on time to pick up last minute info, their volunteer shirt, a safety vest and a flag
  • Arrive at their appointed location on time, and remain at the post until relieved or until the completion of the race
  • Report course security violations and/or traffic and spectator control problems to nearby police officers and to the marathon Command Center
  • Direct and encourage participants, ensuring they stay on course (especially at turns, if applicable)
  • Report any medical emergencies to the Command Center using the communications protocol provided. Stay on scene to assist the police department and medical staff to secure the area
  • Assist medical personnel and equipment by temporarily moving barricades, if required
  • Return all race equipment (vest, batons, ect.)
  • Provide feedback to the Course Monitors Manager on how we can improve the race or the volunteer experience
  • Detailed Responsibilities Include:
  • Attend a training session before race weekend : date, time and location TBD
  • Report to the Course Monitor section captain on the course on time to pick up last minute info, their volunteer shirt, a safety vest and a flag
  • Arrive at their appointed location on time, and remain at the post until relieved or until the completion of the race
  • Report course security violations and/or traffic and spectator control problems to nearby police officers and to the marathon Command Center
  • Direct and encourage participants, ensuring they stay on course (especially at turns, if applicable)
  • Provide spectators with basic information that we provide in the training session, or in a one page Frequently Asked Questions handout
  • Report any medical emergencies to the Command Center using the communications protocol provided. Stay on scene to assist the police department and medical staff to secure the area
  • Assist medical personnel and equipment by temporarily moving barricades, if required
  • Return all race equipment (vest, batons, etc.)
  • Provide feedback to the Course Monitors Manager on how we can improve the race or the volunteer experience

U.S. Side Section 4 Lafayette and The Villages Shift #2

Section 4 is identified as the area of the course that is east of 375 including Lafayette and in the Indian Village neighborhood. This shift of Monitors will be in their assigned positions until approximately 2:30 pm on race day. Those interested in working both shift 1 and shift 2 in this section will stay in one location for the duration of the day. Please register for both shifts.

Detailed Responsibilities Include:

  • Attend a training session before race weekend: date, time and location TBD
  • Report to the Course Monitor section captain on the course on time to pick up last minute info, their volunteer shirt, a safety vest and a flag
  • Arrive at their appointed location on time, and remain at the post until relieved or until the completion of the race
  • Report course security violations and/or traffic and spectator control problems to nearby police officers and to the marathon Command Center
  • Direct and encourage participants, ensuring they stay on course (especially at turns, if applicable)
  • Report any medical emergencies to the Command Center using the communications protocol provided. Stay on scene to assist the police department and medical staff to secure the area
  • Assist medical personnel and equipment by temporarily moving barricades, if required
  • Return all race equipment (vest, batons, ect.)
  • Provide feedback to the Course Monitors Manager on how we can improve the race or the volunteer experience
  • Detailed Responsibilities Include:
  • Attend a training session before race weekend : date, time and location TBD
  • Report to the Course Monitor section captain on the course on time to pick up last minute info, their volunteer shirt, a safety vest and a flag
  • Arrive at their appointed location on time, and remain at the post until relieved or until the completion of the race
  • Report course security violations and/or traffic and spectator control problems to nearby police officers and to the marathon Command Center
  • Direct and encourage participants, ensuring they stay on course (especially at turns, if applicable)
  • Provide spectators with basic information that we provide in the training session, or in a one page Frequently Asked Questions handout
  • Report any medical emergencies to the Command Center using the communications protocol provided. Stay on scene to assist the police department and medical staff to secure the area
  • Assist medical personnel and equipment by temporarily moving barricades, if required
  • Return all race equipment (vest, batons, etc.)
  • Provide feedback to the Course Monitors Manager on how we can improve the race or the volunteer experience
Finish Line Volunteer

Finish Line volunteers distribute medals, heatsheets, fluids, and food to runners. You may also help moving runners through the finish cute and help with various Finish Line area tasks. Your role(s) will be assigned to you the day of the Marathon.

Gear Check

Help receive runners' bags, sort in numerical order and return to runner upon completion of their run.

Relay Exchange
The relay exchange volunteer must maintain the integrity of the relay exchange and surrounding area. This will allow the relay runners make clean and unobstructed handoffs. You must also keep the participant moving through the zone to avoid congestion in the exchange. Also provide fluids and heat sheets to finished relay participants.

Positioned at the Start of Leg #2: Washington and Lafayette

Positioned at the Start of Leg #3: Midtown - W Warren Ave, between Trumbull and John C Lodge Service Dr

Positioned at the Start of Leg #4: Eastern Market - Russell St, between Alfred and Division

Positioned at the Start of Leg #5: Detroit City Fieldhouse - E Lafayette St and W Mt. Elliott St

Start/Finish Line Volunteer

The Detroit Marathon uses a staggered start to help prevent congestion. Runners are assigned to waves prior to the race based on their expected finish time. Start Line volunteers will help separate the waves, assist runners in finding the correct wave and lead your wave forward at the assigned start time. You will then go to the finish line to assist in handing out medals, heatsheets, fluids and food.

Fluid Station

This job includes setting up and breaking down fluid stations, preparing water, Gatorade and distributing fluids to athletes. Volunteers will work with a fluid station captain to manage responsibilities and race day needs.

Positioned at W Fort St and 24th St

Positioned at Huron Church Rd and Donnelly St *Canada*

Positioned at Riverside Dr W and Curry Ave *Canada*

Positioned at Goyeau St and Chatham St *Canada*

Positioned at Jefferson and Woodward

Positioned at Woodward and Elizabeth

Positioned at Second Ave and Ledyard

Positioned at Lincoln and W Forest Ave

Positioned at Avery and Lysander

Positioned at Cass Ave and West Canfield

Positioned at Brush and Winder

Positioned at Russell St and Alfred *Shed 5*

Positioned at Dequindre Cut at Gratiot Entrance

Positioned at Lafayette and Parker

Positioned at Agnes and Townsend

Positioned at Seminole and Charlevoix *Centennial Garden*

Positioned at Lafayette Between Rivard and St Aubin - 1300

Nutrition Station

This job includes setting up and breaking down a nutrition station. Volunteers will report to a captain for directions on cutting open packaging and passing out nutrition treats to runners.

Positioned at 2nd Ave and Henry

Positioned at Wilkins St and St Antoine St

Course Monitor: Canadian Side
This key position is responsible for being the eyes and ears of the Ambassador Bridge on race day. Monitors observe conditions on the course, including runners, spectators and traffic. Issues that need attention are addressed by the Monitors or reported to the proper race authority for resolution. In-person orientation meeting required.

Canadian Side of Course

Detailed Responsibilities Include:

  • Attend a training session before race weekend : date, time and location TBD
  • Report to the Course Monitor section captain on the course on time to pick up last minute info, their volunteer shirt, a safety vest and a flag
  • Arrive at their appointed location on time, and remain at the post until relieved or until the completion of the race
  • Report course security violations and/or traffic and spectator control problems to nearby police officers and to the marathon Command Center
  • Direct and encourage participants, ensuring they stay on course (especially at turns, if applicable)
  • Provide spectators with basic information that we provide in the training session,
  • or in a one page Frequently Asked Questions handout
  • Report any medical emergencies to the Command Center using the
  • communications protocol provided. Stay on scene to assist the police
  • department and medical staff to secure the area
  • Assist medical personnel and equipment by temporarily moving barricades, if required
  • Return all race equipment (vest, batons, etc.)
  • Provide feedback to the Course Monitors Manager on how we can improve the race or the volunteer experience.
Expo Packet Pick-Up

Distribute goodie bags and race shirts for any of the following events: Marathon, Half-Marathon, Challenge Series, Relay, 1-Mile, 5K, Kids Run and Kids Marathon. Volunteers may be asked to help with other Expo tasks, such as restocking or reorganizing.

Positioned at Huntington Place (Formerly Cobo Hall)

Positioned at Huntington Place (Formerly Cobo Hall)

Positioned at Huntington Place (Formerly Cobo Hall)

Positioned at Huntington Place (Formerly Cobo Hall)

Expo Packet Pick-Up: Electronic Bib Distribution

Volunteer will be positioned in front of the EnMotive computer assigning bibs to registrants. This role requires you to be comfortable with computers and you will receive all training during your shift.

Positioned at Huntington Place (Formerly Cobo Hall)

Positioned at Huntington Place (Formerly Cobo Hall)

Positioned at Huntington Place (Formerly Cobo Hall)

Positioned at Huntington Place (Formerly Cobo Hall)

Expo Vendor Assistance

These volunteers will be helping Expo vendors load in and set up their booths. You must be able to lift 20 pounds and this job will require walking, standing and some minimal lifting.

Positioned at Huntington Place (Formerly Cobo Hall)

Goodie Bag Stuffing

Help stuff the runner goodie bags with flyers and products provided for each runner. No heavy lifting is required. Must be 17 or older. A light breakfast or lunch will be provided.

Positioned at Huntington Place (Formerly Cobo Hall)

Positioned at Huntington Place (Formerly Cobo Hall)

Information Booth

Answer questions about all of the races, parking and other logistical information. Knowledge of the marathon and its events is highly recommended. Informational material will be provided for you onsite.

Positioned at Huntington Place (Formerly Cobo Hall)

Positioned at Huntington Place (Formerly Cobo Hall)

Positioned at Huntington Place (Formerly Cobo Hall)

Positioned at Huntington Place (Formerly Cobo Hall)

Positioned at Huntington Place (Formerly Cobo Hall)

Positioned at Huntington Place (Formerly Cobo Hall)

Marathon Shop
We are looking for a few fun people to help us sell some of our vintage marathon gear. You would be helping us provide sizes for customers, and working at the check out helping our cashiers. This job will require standing and walking in our store area. We can also provide seating for those who need it.

This shift will set-up marathon shop. If you love merchandising and sorting through vintage race gear, this job is for you!  Positioned at Huntington Place  (Formerly Cobo Hall) Hall B

Positioned at Huntington Place (Formerly Cobo Hall)

Positioned at Huntington Place (Formerly Cobo Hall)

Positioned at Huntington Place (Formerly Cobo Hall)

Positioned at Huntington Place (Formerly Cobo Hall)

Medical Volunteer - APP

This job is specific to non-HFHS licensed Advanced Practice Providers. Please provide us with your specific credentials/licensing, your clinical skills as they relate to sports medicine and emergency care, and any previous experience with providing medical at mass sporting events.

Medical Volunteer - Clinical Student or Other

This job is specific to students or non-licensed clinical providers. Medical students, Physical Therapy students, ski patrol, EMT, and ED techs are some examples from our previous medical teams.

Medical Volunteer - Nurse

This job is specific to non-HFHS licensed Nurses. Please provide us with your specific credentials/licensing, your clinical skills as they relate to sports medicine and emergency care, and any previous experience with providing medical at mass sporting events.

Medical Volunteer - Physician (MD/DO)

This job is specific to non-HFHS licensed Physicians. Please provide us with your specific credentials/licensing, your clinical skills as they relate to sports medicine and emergency care, and any previous experience with providing medical at mass sporting events.

Medical Volunteer - Physical Therapist

This job is specific to non-HFHS licensed Physical Therapist. Please provide us with your specific credentials/licensing, your clinical skills as they relate to sports medicine and emergency care, and any previous experience with providing medical at mass sporting events.

No Parking Volunteer

Assist in hanging "No Parking" signs and placing notification flyers on vehicles along the 2024 race courses. This position requires a substantial amount of time on your feet and will occur rain or shine.

Positioned at 160 W Fort St, Detroit MI

Open Fluid Stations

This job includes setting up and breaking down fluid stations, preparing water, Gatorade and distributing fluids to athletes. Volunteers will work with a fluid station captain to manage responsibilities and race day needs. This position location will be assigned closer to race day.

This position is along the course.

Problems and Solutions: Expo Set Up

Volunteers will assist in setting up various booths at the Health & Fitness Expo including Problems & Solutions, Packet Pick up, Team Relay, etc. Includes lifting, organizing, opening and unpacking boxes, organizing runner bibs, putting up signage and various other activities.

Positioned at Huntington Place (Formerly Cobo Hall)

Problems and Solutions: Expo Specialist

Work one-on-one with runners to resolve any last minute problems they are having with their race registrations. Must be able to fill out multiple forms, look information up on computers and work with an iPad or iPhone to process credit card fees. Shifts are at the Health & Fitness Expo, held at Huntington Place (formerly know as Cobo) and requires standing for most of the shift. A fast-paced environment, often non-stop, but with a great team of folks who support each other and make it a fun environment.

Positioned at Huntington Place (Formerly Cobo Hall)

Positioned at Huntington Place (Formerly Cobo Hall)

Positioned at Huntington Place (Formerly Cobo Hall)

Positioned at Huntington Place (Formerly Cobo Hall)

Problems and Solutions: Expo Support

In the 'support' role at the Problems & Solutions booth, you will assist the 'specialist' by moving between various areas of Runner Packet Pick Up area to retrieve runner bibs, team relay folders, runner t-shirts and/or goodie bags. You may also be asked to engage with runners waiting in the P&S line to be sure they are in the right place for the issue they are trying to resolve and if needed, redirecting them to the proper location. Training will be provided. This role requires the ability to moving quickly between different Expo booths and/or stand for the entire shift. Must like working with various people in a fast paced environment.

Positioned at Huntington Place (Formerly Cobo Hall)

Positioned at Huntington Place (Formerly Cobo Hall)

Positioned at Huntington Place (Formerly Cobo Hall)

Positioned at Huntington Place (Formerly Cobo Hall)

Relay Bus Captains

The Relay Bus Captain will ensure that participants get on the right bus, that they have their bib number on and fully displayed and that they are bringing only the allowable personal belongings on board. The Relay Bus Captain will ride the bus and help the bus driver with directions to ensure the bus takes the correct route to the exchange, and that it returns to the drop point using the correct route once the bus is full with returning participants.

Positioned at Randolph St, between E Lafayette and E Fort St

Positioned at Randolph St, between E Lafayette and E Fort St

Positioned at Randolph St, between E Lafayette and E Fort St

Relay Reunion

Relay Reunion is the post race tent where relay participants can all meet, relax, and pick up their post event food. The Relay Reunion volunteer will assist with general duties such as organizing and providing food, fluids, heat sheets and assisting runners if needed.

Positioned between Bates and Cadillac Square

Saturday Races: Course Monitor

This key position is responsible for being the eyes and ears of the 5K, Kid's Marathon, and 1-Mile race courses. Monitors observe conditions on the course, including runners, spectators and traffic. Issues that need attention are addressed by the Monitors or reported to the proper race authority for resolution. Orientation meeting encouraged.

Saturday Races: Fluid Station

This job includes setting up and breaking down fluid stations, preparing water, Gatorade and distributing fluids to athletes during the Saturday races. Volunteers will work with a fluid station captain to manage responsibilities and race day needs.

Saturday Races: Food Distribution

Assist with distribution of food and fluids for runners after the 5K, Kid's Marathon, and 1-Mile.

Saturday Races: Gear Check

Help receive 5K/Kid's Marathon/1-Mile runners' bags, sort in numerical order and return to runner upon completion of their run.

Saturday Races: Information Booth

Answer questions about all of the races, parking and other logistical information. Knowledge of the marathon and its events is highly recommended. Informational material will be provided for you onsite.

Positioned at Atwater & Riopelle

Saturday Races: Onsite Packet Pickup

Distribute 5K, Kid's Marathon, and 1-Mile bibs onsite before the races.

Saturday Races: Parking Ramp Attendant

Help navigate the parking in the ramps.

Saturday Races: Start Line Assistant

Before the race starts, help staff separate the start line waves and get runners off on time.

Saturday Races: Tear Down and Clean Up

Help pack away the Saturday events.

Weary Wagon

Weary wagons follow the last runners. We need two volunteers for each 10 person vehicle, one driver and one monitor. The monitor will follow our timeline schedule so we keep the schedule for the Detroit police to open roads. The weary wagons pick up runners who are either injured, fatigued, or are running to slow (per our street opening schedule). Each weary wagon is supplied with water, snacks, first aid, and fruit. Monitor will have a radio to periodically update event officials. This position includes Weary Wagon navigator and runner support as well as the end of race cyclists.

Weary Wagon A

Weary Wagon B

Weary Wagon C

Saturday Races: Medal Distribution

Unpack medals and distribute them to 5K, Kid's Marathon, and 1-Mile winners.

Expo Runner Registration

Volunteers will help with late runner registrations at the Expo. Volunteers must be comfortable using computers and handing out goodie bags and shirts.

Positioned at Huntington Place (Formerly Cobo Hall)

Positioned at Huntington Place (Formerly Cobo Hall)

Positioned at Huntington Place (Formerly Cobo Hall)

Positioned at Huntington Place (Formerly Cobo Hall)

Expo Greeter

Volunteer will be positioned at the entrance of the Health & Fitness Expo to greet attendees and help direct them to the Runner Services/Packet Pick Up Area at the back of the Expo. Individuals must enjoy interacting with lots of people with a smile.

Positioned at Huntington Place (Formerly Cobo Hall)

Positioned at Huntington Place (Formerly Cobo Hall)

Positioned at Huntington Place (Formerly Cobo Hall)

Positioned at Huntington Place (Formerly Cobo Hall)

Conquered After-Party

The position and its responsibilities include answering runners' and spectators' questions, providing directions when needed (a map of the Conquered blueprint will be provided), and monitoring and reporting highly congested areas to the Conquered director. Volunteers will be positioned in Campus Martius and Cadillac Square throughout the duration of the Conquered After Party.