About
Come celebrate the 2023 Chicago Half Marathon & 5K with us! This year's epic event traverses the streets around Hyde Park and the Museum of Science and Industry before winding on to traffic-free Lake Shore Drive. We couldn't put on a world-class event like the Chicago Half Marathon without the help of our volunteers!
Perks
We can't thank you enough for your help but we want to try to show you how much we appreciate you! All volunteers will receive an event specific volunteer shirt, water, snacks, a light meal, service hours, and more.
Volunteer Groups
Learn more about group opportunities and how you could earn a donation for your group or non-profit of 10+ by contacting us at volunteer.lifetime@gmail.com or by filling out the Group Volunteer Form on our website.
A few people you will meet... View All
Shifts (33)
| Shift | Start Time | End Time | Address | Description | Registrants Needed | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Expo Setup (Thursday) | 12:00pm (CT) | 4:00pm (CT) | Vertiport Chicago 1339 S Wood St, Chicago, IL Chicago, Illinois 60608 Vertiport Chicago | Get a behind the scenes view of race/expo production! Set-up includes preparing athlete items, putting together credentials, and completing other tasks before doors open to the public. | 7/8 | Over |
| Shift | Start Time | End Time | Address | Description | Registrants Needed | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Expo - Friday (Full Day) | 12:00pm (CT) | 7:30pm (CT) | Vertiport Chicago 1339 S Wood St, Chicago, IL Chicago, Illinois 60608 Vertiport Chicago | The Expo is the athlete’s first stop as they get ready for their race. Tasks include greeting participants, assisting with bib pick-up, shirt/goody bag distribution, and other areas of the Expo. Volunteers will be assigned to a task after checking in. | 12/30 | Over |
| Expo - Friday (Shift 1) | 12:00pm (CT) | 4:00pm (CT) | Vertiport Chicago 1339 S Wood St, Chicago, IL Chicago, Illinois 60608 Vertiport Chicago | The Expo is the athlete’s first stop as they get ready for their race. Tasks include greeting participants, assisting with bib pick-up, shirt/goody bag distribution, and other areas of the Expo. Volunteers will be assigned to a task after checking in. | 39/45 | Over |
| Expo - Friday (Shift 2) | 3:00pm (CT) | 7:30pm (CT) | Vertiport Chicago 1339 S Wood St, Chicago, IL Chicago, Illinois 60608 Vertiport Chicago | The Expo is the athlete’s first stop as they get ready for their race. Tasks include greeting participants, assisting with bib pick-up, shirt/goody bag distribution, and other areas of the Expo. Volunteers will be assigned to a task after checking in. | 25/45 | Over |
| Shift | Start Time | End Time | Address | Description | Registrants Needed | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Expo - Saturday (Shift 1) | 9:00am (CT) | 1:30pm (CT) | Vertiport Chicago 1339 S Wood St, Chicago, IL Chicago, Illinois 60608 Vertiport Chicago | The Expo is the athlete’s first stop as they get ready for their race. Tasks include greeting participants, assisting with bib pick-up, shirt/goody bag distribution, and other areas of the Expo. Volunteers will be assigned to a task after checking in. | 44/45 | Over |
| Expo - Saturday (Shift 2) | 12:30pm (CT) | 5:30pm (CT) | Vertiport Chicago 1339 S Wood St, Chicago, IL Chicago, Illinois 60608 Vertiport Chicago | The Expo is the athlete’s first stop as they get ready for their race. Tasks include greeting participants, assisting with bib pick-up, shirt/goody bag distribution, and other areas of the Expo. Volunteers will be assigned to a task after checking in. | 35/45 | Over |
| Shift | Start Time | End Time | Address | Description | Registrants Needed | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gear Check | 4:30am (CT) | 12:00pm (CT) | 6401 South Stony Island Avenue 6401 S Stony Island Ave Chicago, Illinois 60637 Check in at Main Volunteer Tent | Athletes will drop off their gear and you'll help label and organize the bags for easy pick-up after their race. | 31/35 | Over |
| Gear Check Shift 1 | 4:30am (CT) | 10:00am (CT) | 6401 South Stony Island Avenue 6401 S Stony Island Ave Chicago, Illinois 60637 Check in at Main Volunteer Tent | Athletes will drop off their gear and you'll help label and organize the bags for easy pick-up after their race. | 1/20 | Over |
| Will Call & Results Volunteers | 4:30am (CT) | 11:30am (CT) | 6401 South Stony Island Avenue 6401 S Stony Island Ave Chicago, Illinois 60637 Check in at Main Volunteer Tent | Tasks include greeting participants, assisting with bib pick-up, and shirt/goody bag distribution. After Will Call, show athletes their official race time and help hand out age group awards. | 3/5 | Over |
| Back of the Pack Crew | 5:00am (CT) | 11:30am (CT) | Jackson Park 6401 S Stony Island Ave Chicago, IL 60637 Check in at Main Volunteer Tent | This position is a fun and cheerful volunteer opportunity that offers direct interaction with the athletes. The Back of the Pack's first role is to assist the Life Time Staff with organizing the athletes at the start and managing the Pre-Race Water Station. Your focus should be on helping athletes... | 8/20 | Over |
| Bike Lead | 5:00am (CT) | 11:30am (CT) | Jackson Park 6401 S Stony Island Ave Chicago, IL 60637 Check in at Main Volunteer Tent | Experienced Biker required to lead large groups of runners. *Personal bike is required | 10/10 | Over |
| Finish Line | 5:00am (CT) | 12:30pm (CT) | 6401 South Stony Island Avenue Chicago, Illinois 60637 Jackson Park | Be the first to congratulate athletes once they finish their race! Prepare and distribute finisher medals, water, post-race food, and more. Check in at the Main Volunteer Tent. | 15/15 | Over |
| Finish Line Shift 1 | 5:00am (CT) | 10:00am (CT) | Jackson Park 6401 S Stony Island Ave Chicago, IL 60637 Check in at Main Volunteer Tent | Be the first to congratulate athletes once they finish their race! Prepare and distribute finisher medals, water, post-race food, and more. | 16/15 | Over |
| General Volunteer | 5:00am (CT) | 12:00pm (CT) | Jackson Park 6401 S Stony Island Ave Chicago, IL 60637 Check in at Main Volunteer Tent | If you're flexible and adaptable to any task, this role is for you! General volunteers will be assigned different tasks throughout the event. | 4/20 | Over |
| Medical Volunteer | 5:00am (CT) | 12:00pm (CT) | Jackson Park 6401 S Stony Island Ave Chicago, IL 60637 | Assist with medical needs in the Main Medical Tent or on course. Exact placement will be determined race morning. Medical knowledge is required; medical professional licensing is preferred (EMT, Paramedic, RN, PT, MD).Check-in at the Main Medical Tent. Medical Team Check-In There will be a medical team informational session prior to the... | 44/70 | Over |
| Start Volunteers | 5:00am (CT) | 10:00am (CT) | 6401 South Stony Island Avenue 6401 S Stony Island Ave Chicago, Illinois 60637 Check in at Main Volunteer Tent | Guide athletes to their assigned corral and assist with releasing them onto the course. | 2/30 | Over |
| Aid Station A | 5:15am (CT) | 11:30am (CT) | Hayes Dr (East of Parking Lot) Chicago, Illinois 60649 Check in with your Captain | Help set up the Aid Station and keep athletes hydrated while cheering them on out on course! | 22/25 | Over |
| Aid Station B | 5:15am (CT) | 11:30am (CT) | Promontory Point (55th and NB Lanes) Chicago, Illinois Check in with your Captain | Help set up the Aid Station and keep athletes hydrated while cheering them on out on course! | 26/30 | Over |
| Aid Station C | 5:15am (CT) | 11:30am (CT) | 47th and LSD (NB Lanes) Chicago, Illinois Check in with your Captain | Help set up the Aid Station and keep athletes hydrated while cheering them on out on course! | 1/25 | Over |
| Aid Station D | 5:15am (CT) | 11:30am (CT) | Oakwood & NB LSD Chicago, Illinois Check in with your Captain | Help set up the Aid Station and keep athletes hydrated while cheering them on out on course! | 0/25 | Over |
| Aid Station E | 5:30am (CT) | 11:30am (CT) | LSD just N of 31st Street Chicago, Illinois Check in with your Captain | Help set up the Aid Station and keep athletes hydrated while cheering them on out on course! | 50/50 | Over |
| Aid Station F | 5:30am (CT) | 11:30am (CT) | LSD Entrance of 31st NB Entry Ramp (grassy patch) Chicago, Illinois Check in with your Captain | Help set up the Aid Station and keep athletes hydrated while cheering them on out on course! | 10/25 | Over |
| Aid Station G | 5:30am (CT) | 11:30am (CT) | Oakwood and DB LSD (at exit ramp, N of Oak) Chicago, Illinois Check in with your Captain | Help set up the Aid Station and keep athletes hydrated while cheering them on out on course! | 22/25 | Over |
| Aid Station H | 5:30am (CT) | 11:30am (CT) | 47th & SB LSD (at exit ramp, N of 47th) Chicago, Illinois Check in with your Captain | Help set up the Aid Station and keep athletes hydrated while cheering them on out on course! | 21/25 | Over |
| Aid Station I | 5:30am (CT) | 11:30am (CT) | 53rd and SB LSD Chicago, Illinois Check in with your Captain | Help set up the Aid Station and keep athletes hydrated while cheering them on out on course! | 20/25 | Over |
| Aid Station J | 5:30am (CT) | 11:30am (CT) | Lake Shore Drive and Hayes Chicago, Illinois Check in with your Captain | Help set up the Aid Station and keep athletes hydrated while cheering them on out on course! | 0/25 | Over |
| Run Course Marshals | 6:00am (CT) | 11:30am (CT) | Jackson Park 6401 S Stony Island Ave Chicago, IL 60637 Check in at Main Volunteer Tent | Point athletes in the right direction on course and help direct spectators at cross zones. | 1/15 | Over |
| T2 Beer Garden Volunteers | 6:00am (CT) | 12:00pm (CT) | Jackson Park 6401 S Stony Island Ave Chicago, IL 60637 Check in at Main Volunteer Tent | Help with setting up the bar in the beer garden, managing beer distribution according to given guidelines, ID-ing athletes before entering, garbage control throughout the event in the beer garden and tearing down the snow fencing, inflatables and any other items related to the beer garden. Must be 21 or... | 30/30 | Over |
| Finish Fest Food | 7:30am (CT) | 12:30pm (CT) | Jackson Park 6401 S Stony Island Ave Chicago, IL 60637 Check in at Main Volunteer Tent | Assist in the athlete food area in the Finish Festival. | 16/16 | Over |
| Gear Check Shift 2 | 8:00am (CT) | 12:00pm (CT) | Jackson Park 6401 S Stony Island Ave Chicago, IL 60637 Check in at Main Volunteer Tent | Athletes will drop off their gear and you'll help label and organize the bags for easy pick-up after their race. | 25/25 | Over |
| Finish Line Shift 2 | 9:00am (CT) | 12:30pm (CT) | Jackson Park 6401 S Stony Island Ave Chicago, IL 60637 Check in at Main Volunteer Tent | Be the first to congratulate athletes once they finish their race! Prepare and distribute finisher medals, water, post-race food, and more. | 20/20 | Over |
| Tear Down | 10:00am (CT) | 3:00pm (CT) | Jackson Park 6401 S Stony Island Ave Chicago, IL 60637 Check in at Main Volunteer Tent | Assist in breaking down different areas of the event including the start line, finish areas, post-race festival, etc. | 1/15 | Register |
| VIP Volunteer | 10:30am (CT) | 12:30pm (CT) | 6401 South Stony Island Avenue Chicago, Illinois 60637 Jackson Park | Assist the VIP Coordinator to help manage check-in, gear check, and other amenities at the VIP Finish Tent. Help tear down the VIP Tent. | 3/3 | Over |