Volunteers, we need you!

Not running the Intercare Blouberg Marathon but want to be part of the fun? Sign up as a volunteer.

Running’s popularity has soared over the past decade, which is great for the sport and for running clubs such as ours. Running as part of a collective towards a mutual goal fuels your motivation and camaraderie and creates a community and sense of belonging.

So it stands to reason that hosting road running events has become a massive undertaking too, as the interest in races grows and the number of participants has ballooned. Gone are the days of turning up on race morning and entering on the day. Hosting anything from marathons, half marathons, or 10k distance events requires meticulous planning for it to succeed. And behind every successful race is a dedicated team of volunteers who ensure that everything runs smoothly – from start to finish. Without them, it would be nearly impossible to host a safe, organised, and enjoyable event for both participants and spectators.

For instance, the New York Marathon requires 10 000 volunteers to successfully host its event; in its inaugural race, the Sydney Marathon relied on 4000 volunteers; and closer to home, the iconic Comrades Marathon in 2025 mobilised 5000 eager volunteers to support its expo and race-day operations.

Crucial roles
Volunteers handle a wide range of responsibilities, including manning registration venues to ensure number collection is smooth and hassle-free and avoiding a build-up of lengthy queues; marshalling duties to ensure runners follow the route correctly; handing out water and energy snacks; and cleaning up post-race. These roles might seem simple, but they are crucial to the overall experience and smooth running of the event. A missed turn, for instance, can significantly impact a runner’s performance and safety.

Safety is another major reason volunteers are so essential. With spectators lining the race course and runners of all abilities out there, marshalls help maintain order, respond to emergencies, and, if needed, report any issues to medical teams or the organisers.

Lastly, volunteering also fosters a sense of community. It brings people together for a shared cause – supporting athletes and celebrating fitness, determination, and perseverance. The sheer joy of cheering on runners and seeing them achieve their goals while contributing to a positive, healthy event is hugely rewarding.

The success of our Intercare Blouberg marathon, 21km, 10km and 5km taking place on August 30 and 31, depends on the energy and commitment of volunteers. In total, over 500 volunteers are needed to help make our race day memorable once again. Remember, as a West Coast AC member, you are eligible to run on one day and volunteer on the next.

So invite your friends, family and neighbours to volunteer at our Intercare Blouberg marathon and be part of the the fun and excitement of what has become an unmissable event on the Cape Town running calendar and a chance for us to showcase our beautiful coastline and community spirit!

Click here to get your name added to the volunteer database.