Freedom Marathon Recollection

PRTS 211 | Freedom Marathon Recollection | Old Dominion University | | Sara Ann Dansey | 11/12/2012 |

Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Management |

Freedom Marathon Incorporated is a nonprofit organization established to give recognition to the wounded and homeless veterans of our country. This year the marathon was held in downtown Norfolk, Virginia. The marathon consists of; a 5K race, a half and full marathon, and a mile run for the children to participate in. There are raffles and silent auctions that occur, as well as many volunteers that come out to help support the remarkable event. A couple of days before the marathon takes place, there is an Exposition held at The Scope, where volunteers and many supporters gather
Sunday is the main events so the runners for the half and full marathon came in to retrieve their information packets, and shirts which they will wear during each run. Before I was assigned to work with a few other ladies behind the Shirt Distribution stand, the staff explained to all the volunteers about the water pouches that will be available to use during the events, and briefly demonstrated how the new water pouches worked, and how we should hold the water for the runners as the passed by. At the Shirt Distribution stand, we handed out long sleep shirts for each race, and collected the Shirt tabs which were located on each runner’s bibs. Once we collected the tabs, we each placed them in a clear plastic tub, which the head of staff would use to count if they needed to know how many shirts were distributed. We each took on equal responsibilities for the shirt distribution tasks, and when we were not busy; we conversed and got to know one another a little better. Pizza and burgers were provided for lunch, along with some water or soda to drink. Starbucks was available for everyone to drink freely, and cupcakes were being donated for two dollars towards charity. One of the supporters was a ballet company touring for the holidays, so they chose to put on a free short performance for the visitors at the Freedom Marathon Exposition, while giving the children a free lesson on how to properly stretch the muscles in their body. I thought it was great way to market the business and to get local patrons interested and eager to see more. I found it interesting to see that all ages were running or walking the marathons and it open my eyes up to how many people are actively involved in the community. Everyone was really humble and patient while waiting to receive their shirts which allowed the