
SIGN UP TO VOLUNTEER
〰️
SIGN UP TO VOLUNTEER 〰️
Our events come to life thanks to our amazing volunteers who bring their energy, enthusiasm and support!
Be a Part of the OXFORD Half Marathon 2025 Volunteer Team!
Volunteers are the heart of the Half Marathon experience, whether you’re welcoming participants to the start line, guiding the public along the course, supporting runners at aid stations, or handing out those all-important finish line rewards!
As a thank-you, volunteers get FREE entry to a 2026 Motiv Sports event of their choice - Hackney Half, London 10K, Etape Caledonia, Blenheim Triathlon or the Oxford Half Marathon.
SCROLL DOWN TO SEE THE ROLES OR SIGN UP NOW
VOLUNTEER ROLES
SATURDAY 11 OCTOBER
-
Shift 1: 09:00 - 13:00
Shift 2: 12:30 - 17:00
Responsibilities:Distributing race numbers to participants using iPads.
Assigning and recording runner numbers as needed.
Providing information to runners and spectators about the Oxford Half Marathon.
Maintaining cleanliness in the area.
Skills Needed:
Friendly and approachable demeanor.
Confidence in using an iPad.
Good communication skills.
SUNDAY 12 OCTOBER
-
Shift Time: 07:00 - 11:30
Responsibilities:Distributing race numbers to participants using iPads.
Assigning and recording runner numbers as needed.
Providing information to runners and spectators about the Oxford Half Marathon.
Maintaining cleanliness in the area.
Skills Needed:
Friendly and approachable demeanor.
Confidence in using an iPad.
Good communication skills.
-
Shift Time: 07:30 - 12:30
Sign-in Support:
Help with checking in the school kids at the event registration tables.
Ensure all participants have the necessary race materials (e.g., race numbers, wristbands).
Start and Finish Support:
Assist with organising kids at the starting line.
Help guide participants at the finish, ensuring a safe and smooth finish experience.
Marshalling on the Route:
Stand at assigned positions along the route.
Provide direction and encouragement to participants.
Ensure the safety of all kids by monitoring for any issues or emergencies.
-
This role is all about creating a high-energy, positive environment at the start of the race!
Shift Time: 7:30 - 13:30
Start Line Assistance:
Ensure participants are in the correct start pens before their race begins.
Help maintain order and organisation to ensure a smooth start for each wave of runners.
Participant Encouragement:
Cheer on and support runners as they pass through the course! Your energy and encouragement can make a huge difference to participants.
Be a positive presence, lifting the spirits of both runners and spectators.
Skills Needed:
Friendly and enthusiastic personality.
Ability to stay on your feet for the duration of the shift.
Quick thinking to manage and adapt to race flow.
-
This role is all about creating a high-energy, positive environment at the finish of the race!
Shift Time: 8:00 - 14:00
Finish Line Assistance:
Monitor the flow of runners crossing the finish line to prevent crowding or congestion.
Guide runners away from the finish area promptly to ensure smooth transitions for the next finishers.
Participant Encouragement:
Cheer on and support runners as they pass through the course! Your energy and encouragement can make a huge difference to participants.
Be a positive presence, lifting the spirits of both runners and spectators.
Skills Needed:
Friendly and enthusiastic personality.
Ability to stay on your feet for the duration of the shift.
Quick thinking to manage and adapt to race flow.
-
This role is essential to creating a smooth, organised, and enjoyable experience for everyone attending the Oxford Half Marathon
Shift Time: 07:00 - 12:30
Greeting and Information:
Act as the first point of contact for runners and spectators.
Provide a friendly and helpful atmosphere at the event.
Share essential information about race logistics and direct people to key locations (e.g., baggage area, start line).
Providing Directions:
Guide participants and spectators along the planned arrival routes to ensure they get where they need to go efficiently.
Help maintain smooth flow through entrances and key event zones.
Answering Questions:
Be ready to answer any questions about the event schedule, race details, and nearby amenities.
Stay informed about event changes or updates.
Crowd Monitoring:
Monitor crowd flow and identify any potential bottlenecks or issues.
Report any crowd control concerns or incidents to Event Control.
Transport Assistance:
Advise runners and spectators about public transport options for leaving the event area.
Offer directions to transport stations or shuttle pick-up points.
Skills Needed:
Friendly, approachable personality with strong communication skills.
Quick thinking to answer questions and provide directions accurately.
Situational awareness to monitor crowd movement and potential issues.
-
Shift Time: 8:00 - 14:00
Medal Distribution:
Hand out medals to all finishers with enthusiasm and congratulations.
Be prepared for high energy and lots of smiles at the finish!
Help re-stock as the day goes on and keep the flow of runners moving
Volunteers will also be looking out for anyone that may need medical assistance and alerting their supervisor.
Skills Needed:
Friendly and approachable personality.
Ability to stay on your feet for long periods.
Clear communication to ensure a smooth race experience.
-
Shift Times: 07:00 - 12:00
As a Hospitality Volunteer, you'll be the warm welcome and helpful guide for our special guests. Your enthusiasm and attention to detail will help create a memorable experience from start to finish.
Your role includes:
Being a source of happiness and enthusiasm, warmly welcoming and looking after VIP guests
Assisting with sign-in and bag drop, making the arrival process smooth and stress-free
Helping keep the hospitality area clean, tidy, and presentable throughout the day
Ensuring refreshments are topped up and available for all guests
Answering questions and providing directions or assistance as needed
Having fun and sharing positive energy with guests and fellow volunteers!
-
Shift 1: 07:00 - 11:30
Shift 2: 07:00 - 15:00
Responsibilities:
Greeting runners and accepting their bags.
Placing bags in the correct sections of the bag drop area.
Returning bags to runners post-race.
Skills Needed:
Friendly, outgoing, and enthusiastic attitude.
Ability to work as part of a team.
-
Shift Time Lead Cyclist: 7:30 - 12:30
Shift Time Sweep Cyclist: 8:30 - 14:30
Both these roles require you to have your own bike.
LEAD CYCLISTS - will lead the race and stay with their allocated runner. The cyclists are fully supported by members of the event team who will communicate with them via radio.
SWEEP CYCLISTS - staying with the participants at the rear of the event, supporting them with directions and safety. Patience and sympathy may be required.
-
Shift Time: 8:00 - 13:30
At the heart of the event - keeping an eye on the runners are the course Marshals.
There are 4 sectors on the route and our volunteer marshals are fully supported by an experienced team of staff on each sector.
Course Marshal Sector A - City Centre
Course Marshal Sector B - Oxford University Parks
Course Marshal Sector C - Marston
Course Marshal Sector D - Summertown
The main role of the course marshals is to provide assistance to runners where needed spotting any issues before they arise, but also engaging with the public and helping with key event information.
-
Shift Time: 7:30 - 13:30
There are 5 Aid Stations along the route located at the following addresses:
Aid Station 1 - D’Overbroeck’s Sixth Form, OX2 6JX
Aid Station 2 - Junction of Marston Ferry Road & Oxford Road, OX3 0PJ
Aid Station 3 - 55 Cherwell Drive, OX3 0NA
Aid Station 4 - Near 54 Bardwell Rd, OX2 6ST
Aid Station 5 - Outside Lawn Tennis Courts, University Parks, OX1 3PL
We reserve the Aid Stations for our Volunteer Groups as we require them to be staffed by 35 - 40 volunteers at least.
If you are interested in registering a group and volunteering together at an Aid Station or sharing with another group, please get in touch at volunteers@motivsports.co.uk.
This is a great way to raise funds as we are offering a donation of £40 per volunteer to the group.