Gatorade or H2O?

This year I was finally able to volunteer at the Philadelphia Marathon. My mom, brother and sister, have been volunteering together for the past 5 years, but I was never able to make it. What a great opportunity to spend time with my family and lend help for such a big event!

We arrived at our water stop location at 6:30am, the sun just starting to show itself.  We were greeted with donuts, pretzels, hot chocolate and coffee for breakfast. Once we filled our stomachs...and woke up, the fun and work began!

Chris and Lindsay

Todd and Danielle

Mom and I

The men unloaded the huge truck filled with tables, hundreds of gallons of water and Gatorade, and thousands of Dixie cups.

Once unloaded, everyone started setting up the tables and lining them with cups, then filling them with gatorade and water. With thousands of runners soon to need liquids, we had to work quickly and carefully.

While waiting, you could see the runners across the river, yet to reach our water stop.

Our water stop provided runners with hydration at two different points in the marathon. Once at 12.5 miles, and then at 24.5 miles.

When the crowds of runners would come together, it was busy! You can only hold so many cups in your hand before you have to run to the tables to get more. Each volunteer finds their own strategy for holding the cups for the runners to easily grab.

How awesome to be a part of such a world wide known event. Even though I don't have the personal ambition to complete this 26.2 mile event, I will be there to support and cheer you on, hopefully a tradition for the following years to come.