How You Can Help Keep Local Races Thriving
One of the most important and rewarding ways to support your running community is by volunteering at races. No matter your background, age, or experience, there’s a place for you at local races. Volunteering simply takes a willingness to help, dependability, and a positive attitude. Often, even runners who can’t participate in a race, whether due to injury, scheduling conflicts, or recovery, choose to give back by volunteering instead. It’s a meaningful way to stay involved and support the sport they love.
The Wyoming Valley Striders are incredibly lucky to have a wide variety of people who regularly volunteer at our races. From current and former board members to new volunteers, young students, retirees, and supportive family members, everyone brings something valuable. We’re proud of our volunteers and appreciate the time they give to our events.
A Family Affair
Volunteering is also a wonderful family activity. Having kids help alongside their family or a group at a race shows them what the sport is all about. It’s a chance to teach them about giving back. Cheering on runners, handing out water, or helping with cleanup gives them a fun, hands-on way to feel involved.
Volunteer Spotlight: Patty Phillips-Pavlock
Former Wyoming Valley Striders board member and longtime member, Patty Phillips-Pavlock has been volunteering with the Striders for decades. She works registration at our trail runs and records BIB numbers at the finish line. Patty is also instrumental in selling shirts at our annual Cliff Robbins Sr. Memorial. When she’s not volunteering, you can often find her running in our other races.
No Volunteer Duty Is Too Small
If you’re interested in volunteering, reach out to a race director and ask to be added to their volunteer list. Most races need help before, during, and often most critically after the event. Tasks may include:
- Packet pickup
- Water stops
- Course spotter
- Setup and cleanup
- Lead biker or sweeper
- Results runner
- Setting up awards
- Parking attendants
- Photographer
- Graphic design work
- And more
Lend a Hand at Our Next Big Event
The Striders’ next event is the Cliff Robbins Sr. Memorial High School Cross Country Races on Saturday, August 30, 2025. This meet, for athletes in grades 7-12 from PIAA schools, takes place on the home course of Misericordia University in Dallas. It takes many hands to make the event a success. Whether you’re standing at an orange cone to guide runners or presenting trophies, we are thankful for all our volunteers.
Interested in volunteering at a future WVS event? Email us at WyomingValleyStriders@gmail.com — we guarantee you’ll make a difference and have fun doing it! To learn more about the Wyoming Valley Striders and our upcoming races, visit our website.
Featured image: Some of the many volunteers pose for a group photo before heading to their designated spots for the Cliff Robbins Sr. Memorial.
