Quick answer: United Sports Association needs volunteers for the St. Pete Marathon in every role imaginable, from course support to packet pickup to the finish line. No experience is required. Sign up through our volunteer form, and we will follow up with a role, an orientation session, and everything you need to know before race day.

• Key Takeaways
• Volunteers are needed for course support, water stations, packet pickup, the finish line, and medical support.
• Everyone is welcome. If you have an idea for how you want to help, we want to hear it.
• Volunteers receive a service hour verification letter, food and drinks on race day, and discounts from our sponsors.
• Every volunteer gets a virtual or in person orientation before race day.
• Sign up through our volunteer form and we will follow up with details.

Every Way You Can Get Involved

The St. Pete Marathon does not run on paid staff alone. It runs on people willing to show up early, stand in the heat, hand out water, and cheer for a stranger crossing the finish line. Here are the roles we are actively recruiting for.

Course Support

Course marshals keep runners on the right path and keep intersections safe. This role is active the entire race morning and puts you right in the middle of the action.

Water Stations

Water and hydration stations are the lifeline of a marathon. Volunteers here hand out cups, cheer runners on, and help keep everyone moving safely through the Florida heat.

Packet Pickup

Before race day even starts, someone has to hand out bibs, shirts, and race packets. This is a great option if you would rather help with the buildup than stand outside during the race itself.

Finish Line

Finish line volunteers hand out medals, guide runners through the finish chute, and are usually the first to see the exhaustion and joy on a runner’s face after 26.2 miles. It is one of the most rewarding roles on race day.

Medical Support

If you have medical training, we can put it to real use. Medical volunteers support runners who need attention along the course or at the finish line.

Something for Everyone Else

Not sure where you fit? That is fine. Anyone who wants to contribute is welcome, and we will find a role that matches your interest and availability. If you have an idea for how you would like to help that is not listed here, tell us. We are genuinely open to it. Building a real volunteer community in St. Petersburg means listening to the people who want to be part of it, not just filling a checklist.

Comparing the Roles

Role	Activity Level	When It Happens	Best For
Course Marshal	High, standing and alert	Race morning	People who like being active and outdoors
Water Station	High, moving and social	Race morning	Groups, families, and social volunteers
Packet Pickup	Low, mostly seated	Days before the race	People who cannot make race morning
Finish Line	Moderate, standing	Race morning, later shift	Volunteers who want the emotional payoff
Medical Support	Varies	Race morning	Volunteers with medical training

A deeper breakdown of each role is in Race Day Volunteer Roles at the St. Pete Marathon.

What You Get in Return

Volunteering is its own reward, but we also make sure it is worth your time in practical ways.

• A service hour verification letter, useful for students and anyone with a service requirement
• Food and drinks on race day
• Special discounts from our event sponsors

Orientation and Training

Every volunteer goes through an orientation before race day, either virtually or in person. You will know exactly what your role involves, where to be, and who to ask if something comes up. Nobody shows up blind on race morning.

The Impact of Volunteering, By the Numbers

Volunteering is not just good for the community. Research backs up the fact that it is good for the volunteer too.

• Independent Sector, with the University of Maryland’s Do Good Institute, values a volunteer hour at $36.14 nationally and $34.88 in Florida, based on 2025 data released in April 2026. Every hour you give has real, measurable value.
• A University of Exeter meta analysis of five long term studies found volunteers had a 22 percent lower risk of early death compared to non-volunteers.
• Long term research has also linked regular volunteering to higher happiness, greater life satisfaction, and stronger social connection.

Every hour a volunteer gives at the St. Pete Marathon adds up, both for the runners who benefit from it and for the volunteer giving their time.

Where to Go Deeper

• Race Day Volunteer Roles at the St. Pete Marathon, a full breakdown of every role and which one fits you best
• Why Volunteer? The Real Benefits of Giving Your Time, the research behind why volunteering is good for you, not just the event
• What to Expect at Volunteer Training and Orientation, what happens before you ever show up on race day
• Corporate Volunteer Days in St. Petersburg, a team building option for local businesses
• Need Community Service Hours in St. Petersburg?, how volunteering here covers school, court, or scholarship requirements

How to Sign Up

Fill out our volunteer form and we will follow up with more information, including available roles and next steps. This is our main event right now, but United Sports Association will be running other community events in St. Petersburg going forward, and volunteers are part of everything we do.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need experience to volunteer?

No. Every role has a clear task and a quick orientation. If you can show up and follow directions, you can volunteer.

Can I volunteer with my family or a group?

Yes. We welcome families, friend groups, and organizations who want to volunteer together. Let us know in the form and we will try to place you together.

Will I get proof of my volunteer hours?

Yes. Every volunteer receives a service hour verification letter, whether you need it for school, a court requirement, or your own records.

How do I know what role I will get?

After you fill out the volunteer form, we will follow up with you directly about available roles and match you based on your interest and availability.

What if I have an idea for how I want to volunteer that is not listed?

Tell us. We are genuinely open to it. Building a real volunteer community means listening to the people who want to be part of it, not just filling roles from a checklist.

Is there a minimum age to volunteer?

We welcome volunteers of all ages, including families volunteering together. Let us know your group’s ages when you sign up so we can match you to an appropriate role.

How far in advance should I sign up?

The earlier the better, since it gives us more flexibility to match you with your preferred role and makes sure you get a spot at orientation.

Do I need to volunteer every year once I start?

No. There is no ongoing commitment. Many volunteers do come back year after year, but a single race day shift is a complete, standalone way to help.

What should I wear or bring as a volunteer?

We will cover specific recommendations during orientation, but plan for Florida heat regardless of your role. Comfortable shoes, sun protection, and water for yourself are always a good idea.

Can businesses or organizations volunteer as a group?

Yes. If you are organizing a group from a company, school, or club, mention that in the volunteer form and we will help coordinate a role that works for a group your size.

More From United Sports Association

Visit the Blog for every guide, or explore more below.

Volunteering: Volunteer Roles | Benefits of Volunteering | Volunteer Orientation | Corporate Volunteer Days | Community Service Hours

Sponsorship: Sponsor the Marathon | Why Sponsor a Marathon | In Kind Sponsorship