Skip to main content

2025 MLK Dream Run

Sat September 20 - Sun September 21, 2025

Find Your Category

Pre-Race Volunteer Positions

Race & Noise Notification Canvassing Medium Priority

At least 15 more volunteers needed.

Details

Going door to door to the residences and business that are along the course route. Dropping off flyers and informing them that they are on the MLK Dream Run route and their sidewalk will be in use by runners on the day of the Race. Also encourages those that live along the route to become course guards day of the race. Also if they live close to event site, they will also be given notice that there may be elevated noise from live music

Location

Volunteers will meet at SDBA HQ and be assigned a route from there.

Media and Marketing Support Team

August 12, 2025

September 21, 2025

Details

Assist team with outreach to media and community based organizations to promote the event. Tasks include emailing, phone calling, posting event details on event calendar sites, social media platforms, websites and blogs

Location

SDBA HQ or at Large

Phone Banking Outreach

July 9, 2025

July 23, 2025

August 6, 2025

August 20, 2025

September 3, 2025

September 17, 2025

Details

This person will be contacting potential race participants, sponsors and, volunteers to be part of the MLK Dream Run.

Location

SDBA headquarters or at large

Business to Business Canvasing Medium Priority

At least 15 more volunteers needed.

Details

Door to door outreach to businesses to promote run awareness and solicit participation- i.e. ask businesses to table at event, run or volunteer, donate raffle prizes, share run information with their customers, encourage social networking sharing, etc.

Location

This is done along the course route and throughout the community and can be done at anytime leading up to the race. Contact the volunteer coordinator to arrange for pick up of flyers, posters and territory /events to cover.

Swag Bag Stuffers High Priority

September 14, 2025

Details

Assemble the runner and volunteer swag bags with a variety of materials and goodies donated from sponsors and supportive community members

Location

Portland Water Bureau - email volunteer coordinator for exact address- MLKDRVolunteer@souldistrictbiz.org

Stage & Event Set Up Crew High Priority

At least 1 more volunteer needed.

Details

These volunteers are responsible for assisting team with setting up the stage, tenting & other supplies and materials necessary for the event

Location

705 N Killingsworth StPortland, OR 97217

Pre- Race Volunteer coordinator assistant(s)_ recruitment High Priority

You must be 18-100 years old to volunteer for this task.

At least 1 more volunteer needed.

Details

Supports the volunteer coordinator in helping to identify individual and team(s) of volunteers to assist with all pre and day of event volunteer roles. helpful if they attend volunteer committee meetings and are available to do recruiting at community tabling events throughout the summer from July- Sept.

Location

SDBA HQ and at large

Run Teams & Run Club Recruiter/Cheerleader

At least 2 more volunteers needed.

Details

This person will assist in recruiting & outreach to run clubs and run teams to encourage participation, communicating key pre-race meet up opportunities and assisting in team/ club goals for MLKDR participation

Location

SDBA HQ and at large

Security volunteers Saturday High Priority

September 20, 2025

September 21, 2025

Details

Provide overnight security on Friday Sept 20, Saturday Sept 21, day and overnight and Sunday morning

Location

At Race starting point: 705 N Killingsworth St. Portland, Oregon 97217 (Portland Community College Cascade Campus)

Parking Patrol Saturday

September 20, 2025

Details

Coordinates and organizes parking strategy for MLK Dream Run race Leadership team, sponsors, vendors, and event attendees. Manages a team of parking patrol assistants

Vendor Coordinator Assistants Saturday

September 20, 2025

Details

Assists Vendor Coordinator with sponsors and business vendor check-in and organization, and supports them throughout the day on Saturday.

Beverage & Snack donation procurement support

September 20, 2025

Details

These positions help support the volunteers by procuring beverages & snack donations and ensuring their distribution to volunteer coordinator.

Location

SDBA HQ and at large

Saturday_Kickoff Celebration Volunteer Positions

Volunteer Coordinator Assistant(s)_Saturday Kickoff High Priority

September 20, 2025

September 21, 2025

Details

These persons will work directly with the volunteer coordinator to assist them with checking in volunteers for the day, assigning tasks, and running errands, etc.

Location

Event site_ Portland Community College Cascade Campus 705 N Killingsworth St Portland, OR 97217

Onsite Registration and Packet Pick-up Team_Saturday Kickoff

September 20, 2025

Details

These teams will assist in packet pick-up (t-shirt, bibs, swag bags) for pre- registered participants including the free kids race and the 5k, 10k and 15k runners. They will also be responsible to register, asign bib numbers and collect fees from any day of runner registration signups.

Location

Event site_ Portland Community College Cascade Campus 705 N Killingsworth St Portland, OR 97217

Saturday Event Set Up Crew

September 19, 2025

September 21, 2025

Details

Assist vendors and staff with setting up tenting, stage equipment vendor booths, banners, trash/recycle set-up - will require some moderate to heavy lifting and moving

Location

At Race starting point: 705 N Killingsworth St. Portland, Oregon 97217 (Portland Community College Cascade Campus)

First Aid Responders_Saturday Kickoff

At least 1 more volunteer needed.

Details

Provide first Aid and medical response for volunteers and participants for Saturday's Kickoff Celebration, man and set up First Aid tent with supplies and materials

Location

Event site_ Portland Community College Cascade Campus 705 N Killingsworth St Portland, OR 97217

Beer Tent Bartenders Saturday Kickoff Celebration

September 20, 2025

Details

Serves beer and wine for event attendees. Must hold a current OLCC alcohol serving permit and have on-site day of event

Location

Event site_ Portland Community College Cascade Campus 705 N Killingsworth St Portland, OR 97217

Resources Needed

OLCC alcohol serving permit - 2

Raffle Prizes Coordinator_Saturday Kickoff

September 20, 2025

Details

Collects, Coordinates and Distributes Raffle Prizes for Saturday's kickoff celebration.

Location

Event site_ Portland Community College Cascade Campus 705 N Killingsworth St Portland, OR 97217

Raffle Prizes Coordinator Assistant(s)_Saturday_Kickoff

September 20, 2025

Details

Assist the Raffle prize coordinator with organization and distribution of raffle prizes

Location

Event site_ Portland Community College Cascade Campus 705 N Killingsworth St Portland, OR 97217

Saturday Race Course Set Up Team

September 20, 2025

September 21, 2025

Details

Assist the Course Marshall in marking the course for runners may include hanging posters, marking sidewalk with chalk, cones and MLK barrier tape, mile markets, etc... along the course route. Must be able bodied and move quickly. This is one of several shifts week of the race.

Location

Meet at Event start finish line 705 N Killingsworth Street, Portland, Oregon 97217

Vendor Coordinator Saturday

At least 1 more volunteer needed.

Details

Organizes and manages vendor and sponsor check in for Saturday Kickoff Celebration, manages and works with team of assistants.

Location

SDBA HQ or at Large
and Saturday Kickoff Celebration at the race starting point: 5055 NE MLK Jr Blvd

Sunday_Day of Race Volunteer Positions

Mile Marker Attendees

September 21, 2025

Details

We have 20 mile markers that will be placed throughout the Route. Mile Marker Attendees will be responsible to get their assigned Mile Marker to their assigned location during the course of the race. After the Race, they will be responsible for their safe return to start finish area.

First Aid Responders Sunday Race Day

September 21, 2025

Details

Medical experienced personal to man first aid tent and provide aid/emergency response to event attendees if necessary

Location

Meet at Race starting point:

Runner Concierges

At least 4 more volunteers needed.

Details

Assist with the vendors who are supporting the race participants pre and post race with massage, acupuncture and any first aid. This person will be a "runner" that can assist with any support needs that arrive. Ideal candidate would be interested in medical or health and wellness and be physically fit to assist with running errands or moving light equipment

Location

At Race starting point:

Parking Patrol Sunday Race Day

September 21, 2025

Details

Coordinates and organizes parking strategy for MLK Dream Run race Leadership team, sponsors, vendors, and event attendees. Manages a team of parking patrol assistants

Location

At Large and on Race Day, race starting point: 705 N Killingsworth St. Portland, Oregon 97217 (Portland Community College Cascade Campus)

Vendor Check in Coordinator Sunday Race Day

September 21, 2025

Details

Organizes and manages vendor and sponsor check in for Sunday Race Day, manages and works with team of assistants.

Location

At Race starting point:

Vendor Check in Coordinator Assistant Sunday Race Day

September 21, 2025

Details

Assists the vendor check in Coordinator with organizing and managing Day Of Race vendors and sponsors

Location

At Race starting point:

Volunteer Coordinator Assistants Race Day Sunday

At least 1 more volunteer needed.

Details

These persons will work directly with the volunteer coordinator to assist them with checking in volunteers for the day, assigning tasks, and running errands, etc.

Onsite Registration Team High Priority

Minimum met.

Details

This is a team of volunteers who are available on Saturday and Sunday to assist with onsite registration of individuals, groups, and assist with packet pick up.

Location

Start Line event site

Chip Timing Support

September 21, 2025

Details

These individuals will support the Chip- Timing company on morning of race. Duties included running info from registration tent to timing tent, supporting last minute race and bib changes, helping with runner questions and etc..

Location

At Race starting point:














Bag/Coat Check Team

September 21, 2025

Details

i. Ensure that runners' baggage are safely stored and appropriately tagged; runners may not leave bags in that baggage pen without the correct baggage tag attached
ii. Check bibs against tagged baggage during retrieval process; runners may not take bags unless that baggage tag and bib number match.
iii. Direct runners to dispose of chip instructions and other trash in the garbage bins to maintain a clean area
iv. Assist in cleaning and breakdown as needed.
v. Call in medical emergencies; take note of your location (refer to the number on the nearest light pole) so that you can be exact if you need to make a medical call.

Location

At Race starting point:

Course Intersection Safety Guards_Sunday

September 21, 2025

Details

These volunteers are critical in helping to provide runner safety when crossing intersections along the race course route. As a course closure guard you will be assigned an intersection along the route, arriving approximately 20 to 30 minutes prior to the race start time. Your role is to cheer the runners along, point out traffic hazards, ensure runners are heading in the right direction,and that their pathway is clear. You will not be controlling traffic, you will be controlling runners. Closure Guards must complete a short in-person or online safety briefing.

Location

Various places along the course route

1-Race Course Corner Guard NE Kerby and PCC High Priority

September 21, 2025

Details

This person is responsible for the First Turn onto the course. This person is also responsible for guiding the 15kers on their SECOND loop

Location

NE Kerby and PCC

2-Race Course Corner Guard NE Kerby Ave and NE Ainsworth Street High Priority

September 21, 2025

Details

This guard will guide the 5K racers ( Gold Bibs) to the Left towards Michigan Avenue. This guard will also guide the 15K racers ( Black Bibs) to the Left toward Michigan Avenue on their SECOND loop

Location

NE Kerby Ave and NE Ainsworth Street

3- Race Course Corner Guard N Michigan Ave and N Ainsworth Street High Priority

September 21, 2025

Details

This person will guide the 5K racers (gold bibs) heading West on Ainsworth Street to take a (their) Right and Cross the Street and double back on the other side of the sidewalk heading back to the East on Ainsworth
This guard will also do the same for the 15k racers SECOND Loop

4- Race Course Corner Guard N Ainsworth and N Kerby Street (East Corner of Peninsula Park)

September 21, 2025

Details

This Course Guard guides the 5k, 10k and 15k Racers to take a Left, heading North, on N Kerby Street towards N Rosa Parks Way

Location

N Ainsworth and N Kerby Street (East Corner of Peninsula Park)

5- Race Course Corner Guard N Rosa Parks Way and N Kerby Street

September 21, 2025

Details

This Course Guard helps guide the 5k, 10k and 15k racers to take a Right on N Rosa Parks Way and head East towards NE MLK Jr Blvd.

Location

N Rosa Parks Way and N Kerby Street

6- Race Course Corner Guard NE MLK and Rosa Parks Way High Priority

September 21, 2025

Details

This Course Guard guides 5k, 10k and 15k racers to take a right from N Rosa Parks onto NE MLK Jr Blvd.

Location

NE MLK and Rosa Parks Way

7- Race Course Corner Guard NE MLK Jr Blvd and NE Alberta Street. High Priority

September 21, 2025

Details

This Course Guard guides 5k racers ( gold bibs) to take a right onto NE Alberta Street heading West towards NE Kerby Avenue. This Guard also helps guide 15k racers to take a right onto NE Albertas Street heading West towards Kerby Avenue on their SECOND Loop

Location

NE MLK Jr Blvd and NE Alberta Street.

8- Race Course Corner Guard N Kerby Ave and N Alberta Street High Priority

September 21, 2025

Details

This Course Guard helps guide the 5k racers to take a Right onto N Kerby Avenue and head north towards N Killingsworth Street. This Guard also helps the 10 k and 15k racers coming from the East on NE Albina Street to take a Left onto N Kerby Ave and head North towards N Killingsworth Street ( PCC cascade campus)

Location

N Kerby Ave and N Alberta Street

9-Race Course Corner Guard NE Sumner Street and MLK Jr Blvd High Priority

September 21, 2025

Details

This is one of Two course guards on either side of the cross walk on NE Sumner St and MLK Jr Blvd. These guards are responsible for assisting the 10 k ( red bibs) and 15k ( Black bibs) with safely crossing from the west side sidewalk to the East side sidewalk on NE MLK. Essentially acting as crossing guards

Location

NE Sumner Street and MLK Jr Blvd ( Crosswalk

10- Race Course Corner Guard NE Alberta St & MLK Jr Blvd High Priority

September 21, 2025

Details

This Course Guard is responsible for guiding 10k and 15 K runners to take a Right at the corner and head East towards NE 12th Avenue

Location

NE Alberta St & MLK Jr Blvd North East side of intersection

11- Race Course Corner Guard NE Alberta Street and 12th Ave High Priority

September 21, 2025

Details

This Course Guard is responsible for guiding the 10k and 15 k racers to take a right off of Alberta street onto 12th avenue heading South towards NE Skidmore Street

Location

NE Alberta Street and 12th Ave

12- Race Course Corner Guard NE 12th Avenue and NE Skidmore Street High Priority

September 21, 2025

Details

This Course Guard is responsible for guiding the 10 k and 15 k racers to take a Right off of 12th avenue onto skidmore st heading West towards 9th avenue

Location

NE 12th Avenue and NE Skidmore Street

13- Race Course Corner Guard NE Skidmore and NE 9th ave High Priority

September 21, 2025

Details

This course guard is responsible for guiding the 10k and 15k racers to take a Left off of NE Skidmore st onto NE 9th avenue heading South towards NE Fremont Street ( Irvington Park)

Location

NE Skidmore and NE 9th ave

14- Race Course Corner Guard NE 9th ave and Fremont Street High Priority

September 21, 2025

Details

These two course guards are responsible for guiding the 10 and 15k runners safely across the street, using the cross walk, from NE 9th over to Irvington Park . Essentially acting as crossing guards

Location

NE 9th ave and Fremont Street ( cross walk)

15- Race Course Corner Guard NE Fremont Street & 7th Avenue High Priority

September 21, 2025

Details

This course guard is responsible for guiding 10k and 15k runners to take a Left off of Fremont onto 7th avenue heading South towards NE Stanton Street.

Location

NE Fremont Street & 7th Avenue

16- Race Course Corner Guard NE 7th Avenue & NE Stanton Street High Priority

September 21, 2025

Details

This course guard is responsible for guiding 10k and 15k runners to take a Right off of 7th avenue onto NE Stanton Street heading West towards NE MLK Jr Blvd cross walk

Location

NE 7th Avenue & NE Stanton Street

17- Race Course Corner Guard NE MLK Jr Blvd and NE Stanton Street High Priority

September 21, 2025

Details

These two course guards are responsible for the safe crossing of the 10k and 15k runners to cross MLK Jr Blvd in the cross walk going from the east side of the street to the west side of the street on Stanton

18- Race Course Corner Guard NE Stanton Street and NE Rodney Ave High Priority

September 21, 2025

Details

This course guards are responsible for guiding the 10k and 15k runners to take a Right off of Stanton st onto NE Rodney Street

19- Race Course Corner Guard NE Rodney Avenue and NE Russell Street High Priority

September 21, 2025

Details

This Course Guard is responsible for guiding the 10k and 15k runners to take a Right off of NE Rodney Street onto NE Russell Street heading West towards NE Mississippi Avenue

Location

NE Rodney Avenue and NE Russell Street

20- Race Course Corner Guard NE Russell Street & NE Williams Avenue High Priority

September 21, 2025

Details

This guard is responsible for guiding 10k and 15k runners safely across the street on NE Russell and Williams avenue staying straight heading west towards NE Mississippi ave.

Location

NE Russell Street & NE Williams Avenue

21- Race Course Corner Guard NE Russell Street & NE Vancouver High Priority

September 21, 2025

Details

This guard is responsible for guiding 10k and 15k runners safely across the street on NE Russell and Vancouver avenue staying straight heading west towards NE Mississippi ave.

Location

NE Russell Street & NE Vancouver

22- Race Course Corner Guard N Russell Street & N Kerby Avenue High Priority

September 21, 2025

Details

This course guard is responsible for guiding the 10k and 15k racers safely across the I5 overpass crossing over N Kerby Avenue staying straight on NE Russell Street heading west towards NE Mississippi Ave

Location

NE Russell Street & N Kerby Avenue ( under the I5 overpass)

23- Race Course Corner Guard N Russell Street & N Mississippi Avenue High Priority

September 21, 2025

Details

This course guard is responsible for guiding the 10k and 15k runners to take a Right off of N Russell Street onto N Mississippi Avenue.

Location

NE Russell Street & N Mississippi Avenue

24- Race Course Corner Guard N Mississippi Avenue & N Freemont Street High Priority

September 21, 2025

Details

This course guard is responsible for guiding the 10k and 15k runners safely to keep straight on NE Mississippi street

Location

N Mississippi Avenue & N Freemont Street

25- Race Course Corner Guard N Albina Ave & NE Alberta Street High Priority

September 21, 2025

Details

This course guard is responsible for guiding the 10k and 15k runners to take a Right off of N Albina ave onto NE Alberta Street heading East towards NE Kerby Ave

Location

N Albina Ave & NE Alberta Street

26- Race Course Corner Guards N Killingworth and N Kerby Street High Priority

September 21, 2025

Details

These guards are responsible for guiding the 5k, 10k and 15k Racers safely across the cross walk on N Killingsworth Street for all the runners coming from N Kerby street heading North. 5k and 10k runners are guided to take a left towards Borthwick street AKA towards finish line. 15k runners must contine straight on Kerby to do their SECOND loop, and then 15k runners on their second loop return will also be guided to take a left to Borthwick towards Finish line.

Location

N Killingworth and N Kerby Street

27- Race Course Corner Guard (Borthwick off of Killingsworth to run through the Race Finish) High Priority

September 21, 2025

Details

This Guard is responsible for turning all 5k, 10k and 15k ( second loopers) to take a Right on Borthwick off of Killingsworth to run through the Race Finish

Location

Borthwick off of Killingsworth to run through the Race Finish

Water station #1 MLK + Rosa Parks (King Plus Parks Apt) High Priority

September 21, 2025

Details

Excellent task for a group, we will have several water stations along the course routes. Anyone who wants to volunteer for a water station will be in charge of setting up and breaking down said station with a table, a thermos filled with water, Dixie cups, trash / recycle receptacles.

Location

Water station #1 MLK + Rosa Parks (King Plus Parks Apt). Near mile markers, 5K #1.5 + 10K,15K #1.

Water station #2 MLK + Killingsworth (US Bank) High Priority

September 21, 2025

Details

Excellent task for a group, we will have several water stations along the course routes. Anyone who wants to volunteer for a water station will be in charge of setting up and breaking down said station with a table, a thermos filled with water, Dixie cups, trash / recycle receptacles.

Location

Water station #2 MLK + Killingsworth (US Bank). 5K mile marker #2.

Water station #3 Skidmore + 9th (Maranatha Church 12th) High Priority

September 21, 2025

Details

Excellent task for a group, we will have several water stations along the course routes. Anyone who wants to volunteer for a water station will be in charge of setting up and breaking down said station with a table, a thermos filled with water, Dixie cups, trash / recycle receptacles.

Location

Water station #3 Skidmore + 9th (Maranatha Church 12th)

Water station #4 Fremont + 7th or 9th (Irvington Park) High Priority

September 21, 2025

Details

Excellent task for a group, we will have several water stations along the course routes. Anyone who wants to volunteer for a water station will be in charge of setting up and breaking down said station with a table, a thermos filled with water, Dixie cups, trash / recycle receptacles.

Location

Water station #4 Fremont + 7th or 9th (Irvington Park). Near mile maker #3.

Water station #5 Rodney + Stanton High Priority

September 21, 2025

Details

Excellent task for a group, we will have several water stations along the course routes. Anyone who wants to volunteer for a water station will be in charge of setting up and breaking down said station with a table, a thermos filled with water, Dixie cups, trash / recycle receptacles.

Location

Water station #5 Rodney + Stanton

Water station #6 Albina + Alberta High Priority

September 21, 2025

Details

Excellent task for a group, we will have several water stations along the course routes. Anyone who wants to volunteer for a water station will be in charge of setting up and breaking down said station with a table, a thermos filled with water, Dixie cups, trash / recycle receptacles.

Location

Water station #6 Albina + Alberta -- Mike is ok with moving from Albina + Blandena. Which side is best Neil Kelly or Cullen's Market?

Water station #7 Kerby + Ainsworth (Pennisula Park) High Priority

September 21, 2025

Details

Excellent task for a group, we will have several water stations along the course routes. Anyone who wants to volunteer for a water station will be in charge of setting up and breaking down said station with a table, a thermos filled with water, Dixie cups, trash / recycle receptacles.

Location

Water station #7 Kerby + Ainsworth (Pennisula Park). Near 15K mile marker #7.

Awards to Winners

At least 2 more volunteers needed.

Details

Assists in the organization of Awards Prizes for the Winners

Location

At Race starting point:

Raffle Prize Coordinator Sunday Race Day

At least 1 more volunteer needed.

Details

Collects, Coordinates and Distributes Raffle Prizes for Saturday's kickoff celebration. Works with a team of assisatants

Location

At Race starting point:

Raffle Prizes Coordinator Assistants Sunday Race Day

September 21, 2025

Details

Assist the Raffle prize coordinator with organization and distribution of raffle prizes

Beer Tent Bartenders Sunday Race Day

September 21, 2025

Details

Serves beer and wine for event attendees. Must hold a current OLCC alcohol serving permit and have on-site day of event

Parking Patrol Sunday

No volunteer spots remaining.

This volunteer task is full.

Details

Parking Patrol helps guide and direct vendors, sponsors, and event participants to pre-arranged parking locations and assists with vendor load in and load out.

Location

At Race starting point: PCC Cascade Campus

Food and Snack Team Race Day Sunday

September 21, 2025

Details

Assisting in procuring and/or distributing food, snack, and drinks to runners and volunteers day of race.
working closely with volunteer coordinator and volunteer assistants

Location

At Race starting point: 5055 NE MLK Jr Blvd ( Natural Grocers )

Grill Cheese Station

At least 1 more volunteer needed.

Details

Create and distribute grill cheese sandwiches. Provide assistance as needed.

Sunday_ Post Event Breakdown_Volunteers

Post Race Breakdown

September 21, 2025

Details

Assist in the breaking down of the event including tents, tables, boxes, staging, etc.. Persons should be physically fit and cable of lifting light to moderately heavy objects.

Location

Meet At Race starting point:

If you continue to use this site, you consent to use all cookies. We use cookies to offer you a better browsing experience. Read how we use cookies and how you can control them by visiting our Privacy Policy.

If you continue to use this site, you consent to use all cookies.