FAQs for Volunteers
This page is also on our festival website: runbethlehem.com/volunteer-faq.
Thank you! We simply couldn’t put on this festival without you. Here’s everything you need for your shift.
Sign up on SignUpGenius | Full volunteer packet
Questions before or during the event? Contact Trish Eaton at trish@runegades.com or 215-622-0460.
The Basics
How do I sign up?
Pick a slot on our SignUpGenius. There are jobs all weekend — the expo, packet pickup, bag drop, the finish line, water stations, course marshals, the relay exchanges, the Trail Run, the Kids Run, and more. The role names on SignUpGenius match the sections in the volunteer packet, which has detailed instructions for every role.
Where do I check in?
If your role is at the expo or the start/finish area, check in with Trish Eaton at the volunteer tent to pick up your volunteer t-shirt and any last instructions.
On-course roles (water stations, course marshals, relay exchanges, traffic control, course set-up) and Trail Run roles go straight to your assigned location — please don’t come to the start/finish to check in first.
When should I arrive?
Give yourself enough time to check in (if your role requires it) and get to your spot before your slot starts. Please double-check your slot’s start time — some start times have changed.
What do I wear?
Your volunteer t-shirt — please wear it during your shift! Traffic control, course marshal, and course set-up volunteers also get a reflective vest to wear over it.
How do I get my shirt if I’m out on the course?
Pick it up the day before at the expo (Friday, 12–7 PM at ArtsQuest), or it will be waiting at your station. Trail Run volunteers working at Dodson Street Park: Andy will have your shirt there.
What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes and layers for an October morning. Trail Run course marshals, water station volunteers, and sweepers should bring a fully charged phone and a headlamp or flashlight for the walk back. Course marshals and cheer zones are welcome to bring cowbells, a speaker, and lots of noise!
Where do I park?
- Start/finish, expo, bag drop, VIP, photobooth, floaters, traffic control & course set-up: the Wind Creek Dealer’s School lot, 918 E. 2nd St. (enter ArtsQuest on Founders Way, right on 2nd Street). See the parking map.
- Saturday heads-up: the lots are locked down during the 5K start (7:30–7:50 AM) and 10K start (9:00 AM). The Polk Street Garage off E. 3rd Street is another option, but it isn’t free.
- Trail Run shuttle assistants: the parking lot behind PBS and ArtsQuest, where the shuttle picks up (map pin).
- All other Trail Run roles: Dodson Street Park (Dodson St, Fountain Hill) — drive to the top of Dodson Street. Parking is limited and reserved for staff and volunteers, so carpool if you can.
- On-course roles: street parking near your station; the packet lists the best spot for each one.
My organization is volunteering as a group. Anything special?
Qualifying organizations can earn up to $35 per volunteer through our donation program — email Trish at trish@runegades.com to set it up. On the day, groups receiving a donation must check in with Trish for verification.
I need community service or school hours signed off.
No problem — see Trish at the end of your shift with any paperwork (community service, school hours, graduation credits, etc.).
I’m out on the course by myself. Who do I call?
There won’t be a staff member at every station, so save Trish’s number before you go: 215-622-0460. Your role’s backup contact is listed in the volunteer packet.
Any tips for water stations?
Supplies will already be at your station. Fill cups about halfway, set water tables before Tailwind tables, hold cups from the bottom so runners can grab them, and keep trash cans downstream. Never run a hose across an active course — carry jugs to the hydrant instead. Step-by-step instructions are in the packet.
Shifts & Locations
Check SignUpGenius for your exact slot — times below are the ranges for each role.
| Role | When | Where |
|---|---|---|
| Friday, October 16 | ||
| Expo Center | Set-up 8 AM–12 PM; shifts 11:15 AM–7:30 PM; break-down 6:30–8 PM | ArtsQuest, 101 Founders Way |
| Trail Run: shuttle assistant | 2:00–4:15 PM | Parking lot behind PBS & ArtsQuest |
| Trail Run: bib pickup & finish line | 3:00–6:30 PM | Dodson Street Park |
| Trail Run: course marshals / water | 3:30–6:30 PM | Dodson Street Park |
| Trail Run: sweeper | 4:00–6:30 PM | Dodson Street Park |
| Kids Run | 4:30–7:00 PM | ArtsQuest |
| Saturday, October 17 — 5K & 10K | ||
| Start/finish team | 5:45–9:30 AM | Next to ArtsQuest |
| Packet pickup & same-day registration | 6:00–9:00 AM | In front of ArtsQuest |
| Floaters / finish line (medals & food) | 6:00–11:00 AM | Next to ArtsQuest |
| Lexus VIP assistant | 6:00 AM–12 PM | ArtsQuest, 2nd floor |
| Course set-up / break-down | 6:00 AM–12 PM | Meet at the Wind Creek Dealer Training Center |
| Bag drop | 6:30–11:00 AM | Next to ArtsQuest |
| Traffic control | 6:30–9:30 AM | Wind Creek / Daily Ave area |
| City Hall Plaza water station | 6:30–10:30 AM | Payrow Plaza (N. New & W. Church Sts) |
| 5K/10K course marshals | 7:15–9:30 AM | Fahy Bridge entrance (Columbia & Adams) |
| Photobooth assistant | 7:30–11:30 AM | Next to ArtsQuest |
| Center & N. New Streets water station | 8:00–10:30 AM | Center & N. New Streets |
| 10K course marshals | 9:00–11:00 AM | Church & High Sts; High & Wall Sts |
| Sunday, October 18 — Half Marathon & Relay | ||
| Course set-up / break-down | 5:30 AM–12 PM | Meet at the Wind Creek Dealer Training Center |
| Floaters | 6:00 AM–12 PM | Next to ArtsQuest |
| Packet pickup & same-day registration | 6:00–8:00 AM | In front of ArtsQuest |
| Lexus VIP assistant | 6:30 AM–12 PM | ArtsQuest, 2nd floor |
| Water station #1 | 6:45–9:00 AM | Budd Ave & 13th Ave (Westside Park) |
| Start/finish team | 7:00–9:00 AM | Next to ArtsQuest |
| Bag drop | 7:00 AM–12 PM (two shifts) | Next to ArtsQuest |
| Finish line (medals & food) | 7:15–11:45 AM | Next to ArtsQuest |
| Water station #2 | 7:15–9:45 AM | Illick’s Mill Rd & Rosewood Dr |
| Water station #3 | 7:30–10:15 AM | Main St & Moreland Ave |
| Water station #4 | 8:00–11:15 AM | Bottom of Main St (Spring St) |
| Relay exchanges | 8:00–11:00 AM | 8th Ave & Schoenersville Rd; Spring & Main Sts |
| Course marshals / cheer zones | 8:00–10:30 AM | Illick’s Mill Rd (Municipal Ice Rink); Main & Moreland |
| Photobooth assistant | 8:30 AM–12 PM | Next to ArtsQuest |
| Traffic control | 8:30–11:00 AM | Wind Creek / Daily Ave area |
