If you’ve ever participated in or watched a runDisney race, you’ve seen just how many volunteers it takes to put on those magical weekends of running. Perhaps you’ve wondered what it takes to become a volunteer. If you have an interest, now is the time to get involved.
Registration currently is open for volunteers for the 2018 Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend, which is Feb. 22 through 25. Registration opens on Tuesday, Feb. 23, for volunteers for the 2018 Star Wars Half Marathon Weekend — The Dark Side, which takes place April 19 through 22. (Both weekends are at Walt Disney World; runDisney events at Disneyland have been put on hiatus.) Although it takes many volunteers to stage runDisney races, these positions are popular, so don’t delay if you want to donate your time.
runDisney offers a variety of volunteer opportunities during its races at Walt Disney World. The minimum age varies, depending on the task, with 14 being the youngest age allowed. Volunteers who are younger than 16 must be accompanied by an adult and have waivers signed by their parents.
Volunteers — or as runDisney calls them, “sports enthusiasts” — are typically assigned to areas on a first-come, first-served basis. For Disney Princess weekend, they may choose to work in these areas:
** Health & Fitness Expo: Thursday, Feb. 22 to Saturday, Feb. 24
** Kids Races: Saturday, Feb. 24
** Disney Princess 5K: Friday, Feb. 23
** Disney Princess Enchanted 10K: Saturday, Feb. 24
** Disney Princess Half Marathon: Sunday, Feb. 25
Volunteers will receive confirmation in the mail of the shifts for which they have been scheduled about a month prior to the event. The mailing also will include further information on parking, directions and other useful information, such as where to pick up credentials.
Organizers of runDisney recognize that even though its Sports Enthusiasts are volunteering for their own personal reasons, they could not host the races without the volunteers’ help. As such, volunteers are given “appreciation,” for their time onDisney property. Each person receives a snack and one commemorative piece of apparel for the event.
In addition, volunteers are eligible to earn points toward a complimentary theme-park ticket. Each hour of service completed is equal to one point, and it takes 16 points to earn a day’s admission to Walt Disney World. Earned tickets are mailed within 60 days of reaching 16 points.
Questions? Call the Volunteer Ambassador Team Information Line at 407-938-3880, or email [email protected]
Are they going back to volunteers again? I thought I read somewhere that it was a paid position through a temp service?
KRISTIN: That switch was made at Disneyland, not Walt Disney World. All races at Disneyland are on hiatus now, though.