Run 4 Hope

Jennifer Gardner

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Oxford’s 2^nd annual Run 4 Hope 5k and Half-Marathon hopes more volunteers as the race on February 26 is quickly approaching. The proceeds will benefit two summer programs at Camp Hopewell provided for children living with cancer, and children with diabetes.

Estimated 800-1000 runners will show up this Saturday, so naturally the race directors are concerned with getting an adequate amount of volunteers to make sure everything runs smoothly. Run 4 Hope organizer, Melinda Valliant, said “we need at least 150-175 people to help put the event on. 200 would be best!”

Help is still needed to direct runners on the race path and beforehand when they are parking, handing out race packets, regulating the on-site registrations, helping at water stations, and committing to be a race marshal. These different responsibilities will all be equally important come race day, but volunteering as a race marshal will require more concentrated attention to one area of the race than the other positions will.

“Volunteers [race marshals] stand at the intersections and assist with traffic direction and direct runners in the appropriate direction of the course while cheering the runners on and being a contact should an emergency arise,” said Valliant.

Past runner, Rachel Wenzel, wants those considering helping during Run 4 Hope to know that the race is only made possible with the dedication of enough volunteers before, during and after the race. “All along the route there were volunteers giving out water and Gatorade, ensuring that we were going the right way on the route, and also cheering us on,” said Wenzel. “The race would not be possible unless they have the many volunteers that make this race so great from start to finish.”

Julie Anderson, unofficially named “super volunteer” after last year’s Run 4 Hope, also knows how critical every single volunteer is to the overall success of the race. “I’m in charge of getting all the timers to the mile markers. You just do whatever you need to do. It’s fun!” said Anderson.

Aside from the manual labor required from her during Run 4 Hope, Anderson also willingly offers the runners words of encouragement along the way. “Get a group of friends to stand along the course somewhere and cheer! That is a great way to be helpful! Runners need a boost!” said Anderson.

Giving up this Saturday morning to volunteer will not just help support the runners and the cause, but it will also make you feel good about giving back. “Just do it! It will be over before you know it and afterwards the day is YOURS. A great sense of accomplishment for so early in the day,” said Anderson.

Run 4 Hope needs your help and support so that Saturday can be a success for the Camp Hopewell summer programs. It’s not too late to sign up to volunteer or enter the race! For more information on volunteering or running, please visit www. Oxfordrun4hope.com

SOURCES:

Melinda Valliant, Co-Director of Race, valliant@olemiss.edu

Rachel Wenzel, past runner, rekieckh@olemiss.edu

Julie Anderson, volunteer and past runner, jkjones@olemiss.edu