Thousands of volunteers needed for Ironman

Aug. 27 marks the “sunset” year for Ironman CDA.

It’s the last full Ironman triathlon being held here after 15 years, and race organizers are still looking for up to 2,500 people to fill volunteer spots.

Those interested in volunteering can register for anything from using their own personal watercraft (jet skis, stand up paddleboards, canoes, and kayaks) during the swim portion, to offering support and assistance to the swimmers or slathering sunblock on at transition tents as triathletes start biking or running.

Two of the favorite tasks are “body marking,” where a person marks the athlete’s age on their leg and bib number on their upper arm, and “suit stripping,” where two volunteers start at a swimmer’s shoulders and pry the wetsuit down as far as they can until the swimmer can sit down.

“At that point they just kind of fling the suit off of them. It can be quite comical to watch,” said volunteer director Dani Zibell-Wolfe.

While some jobs would enlist the help of professionals in fields such as medical or massage therapy, most positions require no experience and offer brief training before the race starts.

“The best requirement for a volunteer would just be to come with a great attitude and be ready to support and cheer on the athletes,” said Zibell-Wolfe.

There are many shifts throughout the event, running between that Thursday and Monday, with the majority needed on race day, which is Sunday, Aug. 27. Those who are thinking about volunteering have until the event to sign up on the Ironman website, but Zibell-Wolfe recommends people sign up as early as possible to get the correct size volunteer T-shirt. After the event, a volunteer appreciation banquet is held Monday evening at the bandshell in City Park.

“All you do is show up in your volunteer shirt and you get to enjoy a free meal,” said Zibell-Wolfe. Appreciation awards will also be handed out.

For full descriptions of jobs or to register as a volunteer visit: http://bit.ly/2v5pQJJ