Guiding Tips

Volunteer Guidelines for Runners

To ensure everyone’s safety during workouts, it's important that no runner is out of sight of a volunteer—unless they are very experienced. Volunteers play a key role in keeping runners safe, so feel free to provide guidance when needed.

If you’re supporting multiple runners, keep track of how many are out there and make sure you have someone at the back to help everyone return safely.

Stay Alert for Traffic

The biggest risk comes from traffic, especially during twilight and at night. As a volunteer, please:

• Position yourself between the runners and oncoming cars.
• Keep an eye on traffic, and if you see a stream of cars approaching, signal them to slow down or move aside.
• Remind runners to stay aware of their surroundings.

Remember, cars can cut corners and might not anticipate our runners’ speeds. For those in wheelchairs who prefer the edge of the road, using flashing lights or being extra cautious is crucial.

Thank you for helping us keep everyone safe and supported!

Encouraging Our Runners/Walkers

Once our runners can comfortably complete five miles, it’s time to gently encourage them to pick up the pace. This can be especially important for blind runners, who may feel a bit more hesitant. Many runners might not yet have experienced the joy of running faster, so your support is key!

For those with systemic diseases, it’s important to encourage rest or a slower pace whenever needed. If you’re running with someone new or someone managing a condition, make sure you’re familiar with heart monitoring techniques and how to use them effectively.

Creating a Welcoming Environment

We want everyone to feel comfortable, so avoid pushing new runners too hard. The first workout should be a mix of observing and participating—lots of chatting and getting to know each other! Ask about their training outside of our fortnightly sessions. Ideally, we’d like them to aim for three workouts a week, each lasting at least 20 minutes. If they’re struggling to fit this in, help them brainstorm some creative options.

Also, try to connect with different runners each time you come out. Building relationships across the group helps everyone feel included and supported!

Celebrating Every Achievement

Every runner’s accomplishment is remarkable, no matter the distance! Short races are just as significant as marathons—sometimes even more so, as they allow for consistent training without long recovery times. A 10-minute workout is just as valuable for a beginner as a 10-kilometre run is for a seasoned athlete, and we should celebrate all efforts equally.

As a volunteer, do your best to accommodate each runner’s preferences during workouts. However, it’s important to maintain a balance so we don’t end up running too late or becoming too individualistic. Group workouts foster camaraderie and motivation, so it’s perfectly okay to set guidelines around the route and timing.

Remember, your enjoyment as a volunteer is crucial! Our energy and enthusiasm set the tone for everyone involved. If anything is affecting your experience, please feel free to share it. We’re here because we love what we do and enjoy each other’s company!

Pre-Race and Race Day Tips

Aim to arrive at the starting line about 15 minutes before the Achilles start time—roughly half an hour early. This gives you a chance to help with any last-minute details like picking up numbers, timing, or finding the starting location. Most races have plenty of water available, but if you’re accompanying someone who runs at a slower pace, it’s a good idea to bring some along. If you know who you’ll be supporting, check in with them ahead of time to see if they need anything—like extra gloves for wheelchair pushing, snacks, or adhesive tape.

During the early part of the race, your role will be to help set a steady, comfortable pace. If the main pack catches up, be sure to keep your runner safe by guiding them to the side, especially when they’re drinking water. For wheelchair runners, you might need to run ahead on uphill sections so you can regroup at the bottom of the hill, and be mindful of any steep downhill stretches to ensure safety.

A quick reminder: avoid giving physical assistance unless your runner is hurt or exhausted and has stopped. This is a standard rule in running events, and it’s especially important for disabled athletes. Pushing a wheelchair for two kms on their own is often more rewarding than doing five kms with help.

Make sure to cross the finish line with your runner, and afterwards, help them find their belongings and arrange their ride home.

Understanding and Communication

Don’t hesitate to ask about an athlete’s disability and how it came about; many people appreciate the opportunity to share their stories. Open conversations help you better understand their needs and create a more supportive environment. Athletes know that it’s important to help train volunteers and coaches in understanding their specific requirements.

Keep in mind that some individuals may joke about their situation, while others might prefer a more serious approach. It’s all about being attentive and adaptable - try to put yourself in their shoes and respond naturally to each person’s comfort level.

Timing Your Run

Make sure you or your runner starts a stopwatch as you cross the starting line and stops it when you finish. Race officials may not provide special timing for early starters, so it’s best to keep track yourself. Also, don’t rely too much on the published results, as you won’t have a clear idea of when the main pack started.

If your runner aims for a fast time, assist them in calculating their pace per mile and help them stick to that target pace - no faster!

Communication with the Coach

You report to the coach, so don’t hesitate to ask about anything that’s on your mind - whether it’s about your runner’s well-being or your own. You know your runners better than anyone else, and even if your questions seem minor, they could highlight something important we might have overlooked. It’s always better to be safe than sorry, and we want to ensure everyone is happy and supported!