Bill Hadley

How long have you been a HARRA member? : Since HARRA was organized and before that an LDR member (long distance running).

Are you a member of a running club? : Yes, Houston Masters Sports Association (HMSA).

Volunteering experience:

Brief description of HARRA volunteer service performed (roles, responsibilities, relate an experience or story, etc.): I have been running in the Houston area for 31 years, when I was injured or could not afford to race, I volunteered. I think I have volunteered in every capacity, from Road Guard to Registration to Porto-Can placement. I have been the Race Director of the Warm-Up Series 25Km for 17 years. I am currently the course Coordinator of the Bayou City Classic 10Km, and Volunteer Coordinator for the Houston Marathon. (If you want a ‘cushy’ job--call me).

How did you get involved with volunteering or what motivates you to volunteer? I volunteered to be a Road Guard at the Houston Tenneco Marathon in 1981 or 1982 - Mary Anne McBrayer recruited me. I was so impressed with the grit and determination of the runners I saw that day, that I determined that I would run a marathon. (I ran my first marathon the following year). In addition I found it was FUN to volunteer. I did help some runners who had questions and I felt like I really was needed at the location where I was assigned.

Which of the following are motivators?

•  Affiliation I feel that all runners are connected in the same way, we run for the pure joy of running. We feel the same pain, thirst, and the same joy as we approach the finish line. We are thrilled when we occasionally come up with a ‘personal best time.’ As a volunteer, we still connect with the runners, even though we are not out there running with them.

•  Accomplishment Most volunteers will tell you they feel a sense of accomplishment in that, all of the volunteer duties, combined, make the race.

•  Influence/impact An efficient volunteer does, indeed, have an influence on the race.

•  Leadership opportunities There are also (leadership opportunities). Race Directors are always looking for people who will accept positions of responsibility. Believe Me!!  Just ask.

•  Recognition

What benefits do you perceive from volunteering? It is really Fun. You see running from a different perspective. You see how a race is put together. You meet new running friends who are also volunteering. You get to see your buddies doing their thing. You get to eat the food and drink the beer without having to run the race. You get a nice t-shirt. And, last but not least, you give your body a rest from the rigors of the road!

What can HARRA do to provide a positive experience for its volunteers? The HARRA Volunteer Point System is a step in the right direction. This column is another good example of what HARRA is doing to invite more runners to volunteer at our races. Volunteers are the ‘life blood of road racing.’ Anything HARRA can do to increase the volunteer pool; will keep our races healthy and vibrant.

Thank you for volunteering!

 

JUNE/JULY 2003