It was 23 years ago that the Army Ten-Miler (ATM) had less than 1200 finishers. The sport of running has been on a steady growth through the years. The ATM has achieved the distinction of the largest 10-mile race in the United States. There are a number of reasons why a race can grow and prosper in an environment that is dynamic. The ATM has stayed up with the demands set forth by the runners. In every event, small or large it takes a well trained and dedicated support crew working the front lines and behind the scenes. The integral part of the ATM remains the ATM Volunteer staff that embraces collective goals and brings a variety of strengths and personal experience to the race. One collective goal is "making the runner feel at home." To those who have supported other events know that can be a challenge.

In order to achieve any goal the ATM Volunteer has that enthusiasm and that passion to make a difference. Many of you may know there is an art to handing out a cup of water. If you do it the wrong way a few of your fingers can get pulled along with the cup. How many times do you go through a day and hear people say "Thank you"? Well, try working a water stop where the table has 36,000 cups filled with water and /or Gatorade. If you want to feel that you are needed then a water stop is it.

Can you imagine going to a race and not getting a T-shirt? Let me share a story, I had spoke to a girl scout who had worked giving out the T-shirts and I asked her if she had learned anything and she replied that she learned not to look at people. I was a little confused until she told me that every person wanted to talk. Well, at the time with 20,000 runners scheduled to come through her shift was busy.

The ATM runs off volunteers as the race moves within the 30-day window there are a few positions which remain open for the person with a passion to support runners in a variety of tasks.

If you can assemble a group of 10 or more all of you can work in Garment Check area which is located at the Metro Lower Bus Terminal at the Pentagon. You can also select to work in the Chip Return area which is just beyond the Finish Line in the South Pentagon Parking Log.

I have a requirement for three people to assist in the Awards Area which will require three hours on Saturday to inventory the awards. On race day, to work along with the presentation of the awards and coordination of the posting of results.

There are full details at the race web site and you can sign up to volunteer. Along the left side select "Volunteer" and then on the next screen click on "Volunteer Here" and complete the form. All of the open positions are listed. You will receive an e-mail upon completion. Each volunteer will receive a commemorative long- sleeve T-shirt and groups will receive recognition with a listing on the ATM web site.

If you should have any specific questions you make contact me at 202-685-3408 or send an e-mail to george.banker@jfhqncr.northcom.mil.

Thanks for taking this into consideration and may be you will join the ATM Volunteer Team.