San Antonio Marathon Seeks Volunteers for Historic Inaugural Event

The inaugural San Antonio Marathon weekend is fast approaching, scheduled for December 5-7, 2023. This exciting three-day event, hosted by San Antonio Sports, will feature a variety of races, including a Friday night 5K illuminated by festive holiday lights, a comprehensive expo on Saturday, and both half- and full-marathon races on Sunday. To ensure the success of these events, the organizers are actively seeking volunteers to support runners and participants throughout the weekend.

Volunteers play a crucial role in making the marathon a memorable experience for all involved. Longtime volunteer and enthusiastic runner, Heather Hepp, emphasizes the importance of this service. “You’re giving back to the community, and you’re helping someone succeed. You don’t know — it could be the very first time somebody is running a marathon,” Hepp stated. Her experience as both a volunteer and a runner allows her to appreciate the impact that encouragement from volunteers can have on participants.

Currently, there are hundreds of volunteers already signed up, but the need for more support remains. Jenny Carnes, President and CEO of San Antonio Sports, expressed her excitement about the event’s popularity, stating, “We’re anticipating over 18,000 registrations across our 5K, half, and full marathon events. Just couldn’t be happier about the support we’ve seen.”

Despite the high number of registrations, Carnes noted that assistance is still particularly needed in three areas. “We require quite a few more people to help us at our 5K on Friday night. We also need volunteers at the expo and at the finish line, which I think is the most rewarding place to volunteer as you see all those runners cross the line,” she explained.

For some, volunteering at races has sparked a personal transformation. Dan Andrews, another dedicated volunteer, shared how his experiences inspired him to take up running. “After volunteering a couple of years, I decided that seeing the people picking up their packets — if they could do it, I could do it,” Andrews recounted. His journey led him to run his first half-marathon about four years ago, and he has continued running since.

San Antonio Sports encourages individuals, groups, and teams to get involved. Those interested in volunteering can find more information on the organization’s website, SanAntonioSports.org. As the city gears up for this significant marathon weekend, the collaboration of volunteers will be essential in creating a supportive and engaging environment for all participants.

With the scenic and historic routes set to welcome thousands of runners, the San Antonio Marathon not only celebrates athletic achievement but also fosters community spirit. The upcoming events promise to be a source of inspiration and pride for San Antonio, bringing together residents and visitors alike to share in the excitement of this inaugural marathon weekend.