Saturday, March 24, 2007 the 2nd Annual Wirefly National Marathon kicks off and we need you, your friends, and your co-workers to help guarantee a successful race day by volunteering! In total, more than 800 volunteers are needed to staff the 26.2-mile course.

Race organizers are looking for energetic volunteers to impart their personality on the race and encourage the runners to achieve their goals, whether it is setting a personal record or having the determination and will power to cross the finish line. As the "face" of the Wirefly National Marathon, you help create a memorable race day experience for the participants and spectators. All volunteers receive commemorative T-shirts for their participation.

Just how important are volunteers to the runners? Here is what 2006 runner Frank Lilley said, "My secret [to finishing the race]? No secret . . . it was the aide station volunteers! I'm a definite "back-of-the-packer" but when I came to each aide station they honestly made me feel like I was winning the race!"

2006 volunteer Bertha Hall puts her experience this way, "My involvement with the National Marathon . . . was indeed an uplifting one. I stuffed bags at your headquarters, greeted runners at RFK Stadium and worked at a water station. On behalf of "our" inaugural race . . . I am signing up NOW for 2007." Another 2006 volunteer Joe Harrington had never volunteered for a race, "I didn't know what to expect. There were so many smiles on the runners' faces and for them to stop and talk to us was inspiring."

"The enthusiasm and large numbers of volunteers in 2006 was fantastic - especially given it was our inaugural year," said Wirefly National Marathon race director Keith Dowling. "We anticipate double the number of runners in 2007, which puts even more emphasis on our need for great volunteer support. I have faith that our community will pull together to support and encourage the thousands of runners in both the marathon and half marathon races. This is a great day for neighborhood groups, the business community, local organizations and metro DC area residents to come together."

There are many critical roles that we depend on volunteers to fill -- from directing runners as a course marshal to encouraging runners at cheering stations. A full list of all open positions is available under the "Volunteers" heading at www.nationalmarathon.com. Because volunteers provide a valuable safety and motivating service to the runners, the Wirefly National Marathon takes its volunteers seriously by providing training prior to race day for key positions. This might require a few hours of a volunteers time prior to race day. Most volunteer locations are Metro accessible. Please direct any questions to volunteer@nationalmarathon.com.

About the Wirefly National Marathon

* 2nd annual event to be held Saturday, March 24, 2007 at 7:00 AM
* Expo to be held Friday, March 23, 2007 from 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM.
* Marathon and Half Marathon will be capped at 5000 total participants.
* Produced by the Greater Washington Sports Alliance; Benefits area youth charities.
* Race features a multi-division Team Challenge 
  that includes head-to-head competition between running clubs, 
  open teams, and a battle between Police and Fire/EMS employees.
* For information on the Wirefly National Marathon 

Photos below

1. Giving Gatorade or water to runners is one of the most important volunteer jobs. Photo by Paula Reitan


2. Craig Steinberg of Rockville, MD hands medals to finishers. Photo by Phuong Nguyen


3. Boys and Girls Clubs headed an all volunteer aide and spirit station supporting runners.

For information on the Wirefly National Marathon