“What is the essence of life? To serve others and to do good.” – Aristotle

Convinced the wonderful communications staff at the Boston Marathon I really am a running journalist of sorts, so basking in a variety of frequent press releases. It’s a good thing.

This month the B.A.A. will hold a special event to celebrate and thank its volunteers who have been with the organization for an incredible three decades.

Coincidentally, thirty years ago might be the last time I actually volunteered at a running event. Longer, truth be told. Most of the races in this part of Florida are held at dawn when swamp creatures are still foraging for food and the heat index is already approaching triple digits.

Plus, long ago came to the conclusion it was easier to run the race than to volunteer. Nobody – except maybe Dave McGillivray – is a bigger fan. Ever since the days when a volunteer gave you a popsicle stick with your finishing place written on it.

So, without further ado, as they say in the PR Dept. – “Read on to get to know two of their stories and learn more why volunteering can be such a rewarding experience.”

Volunteers

“My name is Neil Svendsen. I am from Holliston, Massachusetts. I am a retired from the Federal Civil Service and was also in the US Army Reserve.” 

“My name is Alice Dailey, 68. I retired from MetLife Insurance and currently work at a small on-line auction company assisting folks with liquidation of estates and downsizing.  My partner Toni and I live outside Boston in Danvers with Sally Mae, our tiny (4lb) rescue dog.” 

How did your volunteer journey begin? 

Neil: I started in 1993 at the recommendation of a fellow service member. I’ve done a variety of roles in that time including working at the finish line and results mailings. I am now Team Captain of ‘Team Svendsen’, and we do bib distribution at the Expo, and we also help with the packet stuffing and runners’ bags. We do the same role at the B.A.A. distance medley events too. 

Alice: I began volunteering at the 1990 Boston Marathon with a wonderful group of family and friends through my best friend Beth White O’Connor, who was a John Hancock employee at the time. My first year was at a water stop in Newton. We worked tirelessly setting up, mixing Gatorade and filling cups, all while cheering on the runners by number or name or anything else to make it personal for the runner as if I could bring the finish line just a little closer to them. 

How has the experience changed since you began 30 years ago? 

Neil: There have been a lot of changes over the years – mostly how technology has come into play. We used to do a lot of manual actions like removing timing chips from runner’s shoes at the finish line. Most actions are done electronically now. 

Alice: Our core group has largely remained the same, with small changes adding a new friend or two as we’ve gone along. This year will be a first without our beloved Jack Swyer who we lost a couple of months ago. He was an amazing volunteer on our team even this year aged 97 – bantering with people from all over the world and enjoying every minute. That was a gift for all of us to watch. 

You give a lot as a volunteer, what does volunteering give you? 

Neil: I really enjoy meeting runners from all over the world – learning why they run Boston, especially first-time runners. My wife Diane and seven other family members – including my son Jason and daughter Jenn- have made volunteering a real family affair. It’s become a big day out in Boston for us all. 

Alice: You cannot possibly put into words what it feels like to be part of a team which comes together like a family at a special holiday once a year. You have to experience it for yourself. Our reward is the ‘thank you for all you do, for being here for us’ from so many of the runners and the wonderful communications throughout our entire assignments starting in January and throughout the year from the B.A.A. They are constantly reviewing the procedures and making changes to improve it for the runners and for us. Having my partner Toni join our team was a also perfect fit and special to get to do it together. 

What are some of your most memorable experiences? 

Neil: One of my most memorable experiences over the years was having my wife Diane placing my finishers medal around my neck. My most memorable volunteering experience is probably meeting the late Rick and Dick Hoyt.

Alice: The first year is one of the most memorable for me. I approached it as “sure this could be fun to try” never imagining the impact it would make on me or fathoming this was going to be a commitment I always wanted to be a part of. Up to that point I was aware of the Boston Marathon, had heard some of the names and stories, but when I volunteered, the marathon took on a whole new meaning and I was hooked.  

Neil: Runners and volunteers are a special group that I think can really relate to each other. Many volunteers have run Boston too, including myself. I ran the 100th Boston Marathon and did it again with my daughter Jenn in 2006. 

Alice: We have worked water stops, starting line, finish line, bibs and currently we do shirt distribution. The names I had only read about have gone before me on the course: Johnny Kelley, Joan Benoit Samuelson, Dick and Rick Hoyt and so many more. Their determination and courage, knowing what obstacles they had to face left all of us emotionally appreciative of the experience.” 

What does it mean to you to be recognized this year for your years of service?  

Neil: To be recognized by the B.A.A. after 30 years shows that they value what my team and I have contributed to the marathon. They really are the best group of people I have ever worked with. 

Alice: Being singled out with a few others to be honored for my years of service – I can only say that it is I who is honored to have been allowed to be welcomed back year after year and to be included in such a part of Boston history. Thank you! 

Hey, Alice and Neil and the rest of volunteers, we thank you.

Bottom line(s) – if you are thinking about getting involved, here’s what Neil and Alice have to say… 

Alice: To any person interested in getting a chance to volunteer, do it! 

Neil: When anyone asks me about volunteering, I always tell them to apply and do it. 

Sign Up Here

https://www.baa.org/races/boston-marathon/volunteer

B.A.A. PREGNANCY AND POSTPARTUM DEFERRAL POLICY

WHO IS ELIGIBLE:

Any athlete who is a registered entrant in the Boston Marathon, the B.A.A. 5K, B.A.A. 10K or B.A.A. Half Marathon, and is or becomes pregnant prior to race day and chooses to not participate in the event due to such circumstances. For avoidance of doubt, the Boston Athletic Association considers post-partum to be 24 weeks following the birth of a child.

HOW TO REQUEST A PREGNANCY OR POSTPARTUM DEFERRAL:

To obtain a pregnancy or postpartum deferral, the race entrant must:

• Submit a pregnancy or postpartum deferral request in writing to Registration@baa.org any time after receiving confirmation of acceptance into the event but no later than 14 days before race day.
• Provide written confirmation of the entrant’s pregnancy signed by a physician, registered midwife, or other medical professional.

The Boston Athletic Association reserves the right to require additional proof of pregnancy and may reject a deferral request if the documentation verifying pregnancy is deemed insufficient.

WHAT DOES A PREGNANCY OR POSTPARTUM DEFERRAL PROVIDE:

An athlete who obtains a pregnancy or postpartum deferral will be granted guaranteed entry into either one of the next two subsequent Boston Marathons, B.A.A. 5Ks, B.A.A. 10Ks or B.A.A. Half Marathons after the initial deferred race.

All other rules and requirements for race entry after a pregnancy or postpartum deferral will apply, including payment for registration entry fees.

If an athlete becomes pregnant again during a pregnancy or postpartum deferral period, they may request a second consecutive pregnancy or postpartum deferral. This would permit them to defer their race entry for the two-year period allowed by the most recent pregnancy or postpartum deferral request.

The B.A.A. will allow no more than two consecutive pregnancy deferral requests per B.A.A. event. If the athlete is unable to compete after requesting two consecutive deferrals, the athlete understands they waive their right to a guaranteed entry and must either run another qualifying time, gain entry via invitational entry method or register during the open registration period. However, athletes are allowed to request additional non-consecutive pregnancy or postpartum deferrals for future pregnancies.

If an entry is a charity or invitational entry, the agreement made with the organization the athlete is participating on behalf of still stands, including relevant fundraising agreements. Participants must contact the organization they received their invitational entry from to make them aware of their deferral. The rules above then apply for the deferral.