It’s that time of the year, spring has sprung and marathoners all over America are preparing to start crossing those finish lines. But those marathoners can’t make it the end without people like to assist in the race production. The Boston Marathon is no exception. As one of the biggest and most notable races, it requires a lot of TLC. The Boston Marathon is the world's oldest and most reputable marathon. In the rural town of Hopkinton, 25,000 runners begin their journey through eight cities and towns before finishing in Boston's Back Bay.http://www.bostonmarathon.org/

If you don’t have the desire to run a marathon, but still want to be a part of something special then you should volunteer for the Boston Marathon. There are several different ways you can volunteer, including pre-race, start line, course, finish, and medical volunteering.http://www.bostonmarathon.org/Volunteering/BostonMarathonVolunteer.asp The only requirement is that you must be 18 or older to volunteer. From there, get ready to enjoy a long, but rewarding experience. Without volunteers like you, events like these couldn’t happen. The runners, organizers, and even spectators count on volunteers to keep the event running smoothly. In turn, you’ll need to prepare for a long couple of days filled with excitement, stress, and focus.

The first thing you’ll need to do is clear your schedule for at least the week of the event. You’ll want to be readily available to the team if necessary. It’s also important to show that you’re committed to assisting the team captains when possible. Once you’re able to do so, then you’ll fill out an application. The application process is simple. The form can be found online on the Boston Athletic Association website. Additionally, you’ll find the different descriptions of each volunteer opportunity. It’s best to review the different opportunities available before you fill out the application. The application requires you to choose which assignment you’d like to have so it’s best to prepared with the necessary information beforehand.

After you complete the application form, you’ll send it to the following address:

• B.A.A Volunteer Registration
• 40 Trinity Place, 4th Floor
• Boston, MA 02116

Once the form is submitted and mailed, you’ll receive a confirmation via e-mail from the association. The notification will include your event assignment. http://www.bostonmarathon.org/Volunteering/BostonMarathonVolunteer.asp

Even if you’re interested in volunteering, but have missed the deadline for the application process there is always a limited amount of assignments that are readily available. Once you’ve received your assignment, it’s time to prepare yourself for the event by reviewing the guidelines and day-to-day agenda.

Due to the immensity of the event, there is no designated parking for the event. For this reason, you’ll need to plan ahead. Generally, volunteers use the transportation provided by the MBTA (Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority). It includes bus, subway, commuter rail, and ferry systems.http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MBTA

There will be four MBTA Stations open prior and during the event, which include the Hynes Convention Center, Copley Square, The Back Bay, and Pasta Pay Stations. Each station will be open so you can receive your official assignment.

On the morning of the event, there are several ways to get to the event depending on what your station is. If you are working on the start of the race, two buses will be available at John Hancock Hall (200 Berkeley Street). The buses leave for the event at 6:00 a.m., so be prepared for a long day.http://www.bostonmarathon.org/Volunteering/BostonMarathonVolunteer.asp?bostonvolunteer=directions If you’re working the water station and checkpoint assignments, you can park on a nearby street, but not on the course. Mile marker volunteers will be transported together with appropriate equipment.

Lastly, finish area volunteers will be meeting at John Hancock Hall. Be sure to be prepared beforehand to find parking. Parking on the day of event will be limited and the local area will be packed with runners, spectators, and association members.

On the day of the event, you’ll need a photo ID to get through security and verify your assignment. You must also be donned in your Boston Marathon volunteer jacket and credentials, which is provided by the Association. Other than your jacket, be sure to dress comfortably and casually. Check the weather report the day before the event so you’ll know what to expect. Cameras and other valuables are best left at home. Most volunteers tend to just carry their ID with them in fear of losing something important. If you decide to bring a backpack to carry your belongings, it will be searched for security and/or police.

During your assignment, there are several rules that are strongly regulated, including no smoking or drinking during the duration of the assignment.http://www.bostonmarathon.org/Volunteering/BostonMarathonVolunteer.asp?bostonvolunteer=guidelines Morning coffee and a light lunch are provided for the volunteers checking in John Hancock Hall and in Hopkinton. Those who work the race course should bring a lunch to keep up your energy and strength.

In short, with a simple application and a little planning you can take part in one of the greatest American races. The Boston Marathon may be an annual event, but for runners and volunteers alike it is a once in a lifetime memory. Don’t miss out on your chance to be a part of this rewarding, exciting, and possibly life-changing experience.