Unlike most businesses that actually compensate their workforce, the WTC enlists complimentary labor—labor provided by volunteers who are each required to sign a waiver (suckers, I call 'em). Most these poor suckers have no idea they’re providing free labor for a for-profit company, believing instead that they’re helping support the sporting community, or perhaps a charity associated with the WTC-owned race. But, despite the millions of dollars that WTC makes each year, the organization raises few for charity (they leave this to the non-profits crazy enough to associate with their brand), as its investors care only for their own charitable trust. And who can blame them? After all, it’s ‘for-profit’, not ‘for free’.
This is essentially the same concern that I raised a few months back. I ended up (although I was going to despite the answers I got anyway) volunteering for IMC.
For me, it comes down to this. Without volunteers triathlons wouldn’t happen (at a rate that is still “affordable”). I like doing triathlons and paying what I pay. I doubt I’d pay a whole lot more which is what would be required without volunteers. As such, I’ll volunteer when I can.
Oh, and a pretty significant portion of the volunteer force is doing so in order to get front of the line preference for next year…so it’s pretty self-serving that way.
I agree with you about lots of volunteers only there to sign up. (It’s the primary reason why I would do it at an Ironman race.) But to say “Without volunteers triathlons wouldn’t happen”… I think that would be stretching it.
Also, I do greatly support volunteering for triathlon on a local level, and at events that support communities and charities!
I would agree that lots of volunteers are there because of the priority sign up, I’ve been one of them, but lots are there becaus efriends and family are in the race and I’ve also et a few who are there just because of the inspiration.
That being said, would it hurt for the WTC to offer a discounted rate for volunteers? Just sayin…
But to say “Without volunteers triathlons wouldn’t happen”… I think that would be stretching it. <<
Really? And if there were no volunteers, how do you think the races would happen? Paid workers with the entry fees going way higher?
Are you saying the WTC keeps race entry fees low because they utilize unpaid volunteers?
You are mixing things. Sure WTC entry fees are too high.
But you said, “Without volunteers triathlons wouldn’t happen”. You didn’t say Ironman™. I’d posit that most triathlons (not ™) wouldn’t happen without volunteers.
In general, I don’t perceive myself volunteering for organizations but for the people I come in contact with through those organizations. I have worked the medical tent at many triathlons including Kona and enjoy it immensely. Whether the organization is for-profit or for charity does not impact the satisfaction I derive from helping my fellow triathletes. When I am starting an IV on a dehydrated IM participant and talking to them about their race, not once do I wonder if I impacting my race fees or sign-up time.
Chuckie is not telling the whole story when he says that the volunteers are out there because they think they are helping support the community. Most “volunteers” do get paid or at least the group they are associated with gets paid. I’ve been on both sides of that equation. Groups help at races because they are getting a donation, working off community service hours, getting a discount to another event, or in some way being compensated for their time.
I love working with community groups at races. Everyone benefits and that’s how it should be. Whether it’s at Ironman or a local 5k, volunteers are an economic reality of races. So I will continue to volunteer at races and to use volunteers at mine. Here’s my word of advice, if you feel that by volunteering you are being taken advantage of, please do everyone a favor and stay home. Nothing worse than a cranky volunteer.
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In the case of my wife volunteering at the races I attend:
She likes watching the swim from her kayak.She enjoys rescuing swimmers in trouble.Free food.Feels more like she’s a part of the race.We get kickass parking when we’re bringing the kayak in.
In general, I don’t perceive myself volunteering for organizations but for the people I come in contact with through those organizations. I have worked the medical tent at many triathlons including Kona and enjoy it immensely. Whether the organization is for-profit or for charity does not impact the satisfaction I derive from helping my fellow triathletes. When I am starting an IV on a dehydrated IM participant and talking to them about their race, not once do I wonder if I impacting my race fees or sign-up time.
Love this attitude. When I do volunteer, it’s all about the people as well. Well said.
I volunteer to make a fellow triathlete’s race more enjoyable and maybe less stressful. Also I see it as a “pay back”, since I have been supported by many volunteers before.
Chuckie is just a bitter never-been, who’s claim to fame(sic) is his hair-do.
Because among athletes, it has nothing to do with money and everything to do with sportsmanship.
Because some day you will be in a race, at the 19 mile mark on the run and you will want ice and water.
Because being a triathlete is bigger than who makes what off whom- it is about being a part of the sport on all levels.
Because you will experience the sport from a new perspective that makes it even more valuable.
Because someone volunteered for you when you did the race.
Because being able to volunteer- for free and with no cost or entry fee to do so- is one of the most valuable experiences in this sport. Don’t believe me? Try it.
Because being a good egg doesn’t have anything to do with what the other guy is doing- only what you are doing.
Because the moment you withhold your volunteer-ism from fellow athletes you are guilty of the same thing you are accusing the race promoters of.
Because when you hand a cup to a guy or girl at the 20 mile mark and say, “Keep going!” it translates in every language on the globe. It is a universal language.
Because there are too many reasons to list and too few not to do so.
I volunteer to make a fellow triathlete’s race more enjoyable and maybe less stressful. Also I see it as a “pay back”, since I have been supported by many volunteers before. <<
All excellent reasons, Tom. However, when the organization that wants me to volunteer my day also demands a blackout period from any other races on that venue that, for all practical purposes, lasts most of the summer, it really makes me stop and think about it.
Ouch. Harsh words Ben. But thanks for bringing so much to the conversation.
Though I don’t recall, somehow I must’ve angered you in the past (or present), and for that I apologize. But there’s no need for the hostility. I actually have no axe to grind or nothing to be bitter about, so I’m afraid you’re mistaken about me behaving as such. Life (and sport) has treated me very well in fact, and I’m grateful for that each and every day. I was simply raising a point about volunteering for a corporation that profits from the help, and yet continues to raise rates and attempts to squash the little guy (i.e., other events). Now I realize the participants profit too, and because of this I frequently volunteer my time at races (for the reasons the good egg Mr. Demerly brings to light). I just prefer to help the “mom and pop” events and not the bigger ones that so many of us gripe about, but yet continue to support.
Chuckie is just a bitter never-been, who’s claim to fame(sic) is his hair-do.
If winning IMC qualifies as a never-been, count me in as aspiring for that title.