I volunteered at IM Lake Placid this year and would really love to hear peoples impressions, memories or recommendations on the experience. I also need to know where to stay or if anyone has a room to rent for the weekend. I’ll be driving in from CT.
I haven’t volunteered - but I have participated - and will be participating in 2009. Let me tell you - those volunteers are AWESOME! You are doing a great service by volunteering.
What did you volunteer for?
Unless you are planning on committing to a longer stay (5 nights in most cases), you might be better off camping unless you know someone that will let you stay with them…
Thanks for volunteering!
As a competitor, i’ve stayed the last two years in Saranac Lake, 10 min drive, greatly reduced prices.
Thanks for volunteering, in 2007 I couldn’t believe the commitment of the volunteers, last year in the pouring rain it was impossibly better.
I volunteered this year at one of the aid stations (the angel/heaven themed station, furthest from town, I was the guy running in place at the gatorade table in front), only time I’ve volunteered for a race, it was alot of fun.
I stayed at a campground 10-15 miles past whiteface, forgot the same of it (something pond). Nice campground, ended up borrowing a tarp from the ranger to sleep under as I left my tent in the trunk of my car which had broken down in albany. If you go the camping route, reserve a spot early.
I worked the med tent last year. Rained all day. Stayed at meadowbrook camp ground. Racing this year
Lake Placid is near my hometown in NY. I have volunteered for 3 years in a row when I was back in high school/college. I have stayed in my van before and just camped out (if you want the cheap way) another year I stayed at one of the cabins in Ray Brook. Ray Brook is about a a 5 min drive to LP and is in between Saranac Lake. They were only about $60 a night I think but that was 6 years ago. It could have been called Evergreen Cabins but it has been a while now. It’s best to books sooner then later because LP books up FAST.
Make sure to bring a rain jacket because 2 of the 3 years it rained some. For volunteer work, I sorted out swim bags and managed traffic on the bike course at a cross walk…as well as LOTS of cheering throughout and at the finish. The race is set up well with lots of energy in a very small town.
Enjoy it!
My friends cheering on the finishers at the 2004 IM LP. The year Simon Lessing won and set a course record.
First of all, thanks for signing up to volunteer! My wife and I have volunteered 3X in the past 4 years, raced one of the 4 and are returning to race again this year. We figured we should volunteer at least twice before we completed an IM, just to support the athletes and earn our two catchers when our time came. We did finish line for two of the three years, and timing last year… in the pouring rain. If you’re not racing, volunteering really brings you into the event as you are part of the journey of all the athletes out there. You get a first hand look at what they are going through, and if you plan to do an IM event, it really prepares you for your own race experience. If you don’t plan to do an IM, you might just get drawn in after you’ve spent the day out there on the course and experience the positive energy of the race. Either way, it’s a great experience and the athletes truly appreciate the help! Camping is the best option for volunteers - KOA is great, easy access and inexpensive… save the rent $$ for the day you race there!!!
I’ve volunteered twice at IMLP and it is a great way to be part of the race. I’ve done wetsuit stripping and worked as a finish line catcher. Wetsuit stripping was fun but plan on bringing a change of clothes as you will get soaked. Plus, you get a front row seat for the swim start and also for when everyone comes out of the water to start their second loop.
As far as places to stay, the Prague Motor Inn doesn’t start taking reservations until January, so you may still have a shot there in case it isn’t full yet. It’s right on the bike/run course just outside of town and is also a great spectator spot.
I raced in 2005 and am looking to go back in 2010. Therefore I would like to volunteer this summer so as to definitely reserve a spot for myself in the 2010 race (as I believe volunteers get to register for the following year’s race before the general public).
But I’ve never volunteered before, what do I need to do to register as a volunteer?
just go to the website and follow the link…
I am volunteering this year after having raced the last 2. Think it will be fun. Last year when I was slightly out of my mind racing all day in the rain I kept seeing people with 07 finisher hats on and volunteer shirts and thinking they had the right idea taking a year off. This year I will be among them 
I volunteered at IM Lake Placid this year and would really love to hear peoples impressions, memories or recommendations on the experience. I also need to know where to stay or if anyone has a room to rent for the weekend. I’ll be driving in from CT.
I was on Kayak duty last year then cheered on the rest of the day while rocking some Jorts!
I camped in a tent the entire weekend, cheap and easy!
I volunteered last year. Worked registration a couple of days and then changing tent for the women. My husband was a guard for the swim and then worked security the rest of the day.
Yes, conditions sucked, but it was still a fun time. I have volunteered at lots of IM and 70.3’s and it’s always a blast! Figure if I am there supporting athletes, I might as well get in the mix.
We rented a beautiful house in between Placid and Saranac Lake and it worked out well for 8 of us.
G
Wow! Thanks to all who replied. I’m surprised and so happy to hear all the great stories and support! You guys have me so psyched. I haven’t gotten my final assignment yet but I put down security (I’m a cop) VIP and women’s transition so anything will be good. After reading all the comments I think I’ll take my weather chances and camp. Thanks again.
I was a bike handler at IMLP 2006 and it was a really good way to see what bikes and gear real people use as opposed to all the slick advertising in the magazines. Tim
I just got my assignment for this year - bike handler, my first pick and I am psyched! Never have been on that side of things, so it should be a great experience.
Luckily, I live just a short drive away, so I plan on coming in that day. Does anyone know if I can just sleep in my station wagon or mini-van somewhere close by - don’t think I’ll be in the mood to drive home, and considering signing up for 2010 so it would be nice to be around the next morning for that…
Thanks.
Placid volunteers are great. I’ve done the race three times (scheduled again for 2009) and each year, the amount of cheering and amount of volunteers are amazing. I have also volunteered twice. Both times I was in the Bike Transition on Saturdays, helping athletes rack their bikes and answering questions. It was a lot of fun and great to see all the athletes and check out their rides. People were a bit nervous and there were a few really cranky people with short tempers, but we chalked it all up to nerves. For the most part, everyone was in a good mood! I liked doing the volunteering on Saturday so I could watch the race on Sunday…since I’m usually participating, it was fun to watch one for a change.
Thanks to everyone volunteering this year and see you out there!
Monika