23 Mile Water Station Volunteer Briefing Notes

Thank you for your cooperation in offering to help us with the supply of water at this year’s Marathon. We are sure that with your help the event will be a great success, as always.

The main purpose of the Water Station is to supply bottled water to the 40,000 runners taking part in the 2015 Virgin London Marathon.

Please be on time for the sessions that you have signed up for. This will either be a 10:00am or a 12noon start. When you arrive, please contact one of the station leaders who will sign you in (they will be wearing identifying clothing – station leader bibs). Please do not bring anyone with you who has not already registered with us.

All volunteers must obey the instructions of the Station Leadersat all times.

When offering runners a bottle all volunteers must have one foot on the pavement at the side of the road. This is to ensure that maximum space is available to accommodate runners. The only exception to this is when the elite runners come past the station. This will be at approximately 11am. The elite runners will follow the blue line along the course signifying the quickest route. At this time the station leaders will select two or three volunteers to stand on the road to offer water to the elite athletes (only adults are permitted to distribute water to the elite runners).

Any runners who drop out during the race should be directed to the station leader. They then direct them to the nearest St John Ambulance (or contact race control if they are an elite or wheelchair athlete).

All volunteers will receive a London Marathon 2015t-shirt which they must wear and may keep. As sponsors and suppliers of product, it is important for us to wear these to maximise TV coverage.

What to bring with you on the day:

  • Several layers of clothing - to cope with possible high and low temperatures
  • A bum bag or something similar, for small change. We have limited secure areas for valuables on the day.
  • Comfortable / waterproof footwear (remember that there is a very good chance that these will almost certainly get wet even if it is good weather on race day!)
  • Waterproofs if necessary
  • Please note hot drinks, soup, bagels and some small snacks are available throughout the day for volunteers

And finally, we ask you to be vigilant at all times. The threat to such a high profile event will always be present your vigilance can help minimise the risk. If the route is diverted for any reason then station volunteers are to take direct instructions from the Metropolitan/City Police.

Once you have completed and returned your volunteers detail form, you will receive a confirmation by e-mail that you are registered to volunteer. If for any reason you are unable to then attend on the day, please contact Leonie Wade on 07557818069.

If you would like any further information the please feel free to contact Sports Development or 020 7250 1464.

Thank you for your involvement and we look forward to enjoying

the day with you!