“The difference between
ordinary and extraordinary is
just that little extra”
Niagara Falls International Marathon Inc. would like to thank you for volunteering with our
organization. It is with your help that we can continue to execute a successful event every year.
This volunteer guide is designed to help prepare you for your volunteer role and provide you
with background information about the Niagara Falls International Marathon so that you feel
confident and educated while fulfilling your position over race weekend.
Niagara Falls International Marathon Inc.:
o Strives to provide a sporting event of world class standards for participants from all walks
of life,
o Supports and promotes an active, healthy style of life through the sport of running,
o Executes an event that gives both activities and economic impact back to the community,
and
o Provides a vehicle from which charities can raise positive awareness and increase
financial contributions.
Niagara Falls International Marathon Inc. is a not-for-profit organization that relies on
community support for help. Over 1,500 volunteers participate each year at the Expo and Race
Day helping with swag bags, number and shirt distribution, baggage buses, medal and water
distribution, schools challenge, course set-up, marshals and water stations, among many other
positions. Every role, both big and small, is integral to providing a Grade-A event to our
participants and spectators alike. Your time and commitment is important to us!
Volunteers will also gain valuable leadership skills along with other benefits including:
 Increasing your network
 Meeting new people
 Becoming involved in your community
 Building your resume
 Acquiring volunteer hours
“Here’s to all the volunteers, those dedicated
people who believe in all work and no pay”

The First Annual Buffalo to Niagara Skylon International Marathon took place on Saturday, October 26th, 1974.

In 1977 the race was renamed the Skylon International Marathon until 1985 when the name was changed to the
Buffalo / Niagara Falls International Marathon.

In 1980 and 1984 the course was used for the men’s US Olympic marathon trials. Anthony Sandoval set a course
record with a time of 2:10:19 in 1980 during the US Olympic trials. A record which has yet to be beaten.

The Marathon ceased to exist after 1986 due to lack of sponsorship.

The marathon was revived in 1998 under the new name Casino Niagara International Marathon with Casino
Niagara as the title sponsor.

A Half Marathon was established in 2001, drawing additional participants to the race. The half marathon also
offers a walking division.

In 2005 The Niagara Parks Commission announced the annual SCHOOLS MARATHON CHALLENGE. This
race supports the Ontario Ministry of Health’s mandate called ACTIVE2010.

In 2006 the finish line was moved to the brink of the falls and in 2007 the race was renamed a final time to the
current Niagara Falls International Marathon.

This event attracts athletes from more than 37 countries around the world.
Friday, October 23rd
Number/Packet Pickup Marathon, Half-Marathon, 10K, 5K
1–7pm
Scotiabank Convention Centre
New Registration unless event is sold out (not Marathon)
1–7pm
Scotiabank Convention Centre
Expo
1–7pm
Scotiabank Convention Centre
Saturday, October 24th
Running Room International Breakfast Run
8:15am-10:00am Oakes Garden/Planet Hollywood
Number/Packet Pickup Marathon, Half Marathon, 10K, 5K
9:30am -5:30pm
Scotiabank Convention Centre
New Registration unless event is sold out (not Marathon)
9:30am -5:30pm
Scotiabank Convention Centre
Expo
9:30am -5:30pm
Scotiabank Convention Centre
Schools Marathon Challenge Start
8:15am
Upper Rapids Blvd.
10K Start
9:00am
Upper Rapids Blvd.
5K Start
9:45am
Upper Rapids Blvd.
Half Marathon Wheelchair Start
9:55am
Niagara Parkway
Half Marathon Start
10:00am
Niagara Parkway
Marathon Start
10:00am
Albright-Knox Art Gallery, Buffalo
Finish Line closes, Race Ends
4:00pm
Course/Finish Closed
Sunday, October 25th
 The Marathon begins at the world famous Albright-Knox Art Gallery in Buffalo, NY and
crosses the Peace Bridge between USA and Canada.
 One of a few Marathons in the world that starts in one country and ends in another.
 Scenic, point-to-point, flat & fast route from Buffalo, NY to Niagara Falls, ON.
 Certified according to guidelines set forth by the IAAF, the USA Track and Field, Athletics
Canada and AIMS.
 The Half Marathon begins at the 13.1-mile mark (21 Km) of the marathon course, on the
Niagara River Parkway.
 The “most famous finish line in the world” next to the Horseshoe Falls.
 6,000 runners expected across all events.
 Entry fees are non-refundable, non-transferable and non-deferrable. No exceptions.
 Last day to register for the Marathon is Friday, October 16, 2015.
 All other events can register at the Expo unless the event has already sold out!
 There is NO registration or number/packet pickup for any event on race day!
 Friends ARE allowed to pick up race kits (excluding Marathon due to customs clearance) as
long as they provide a signed note from the registrant approving this.
 Wheelchair division in the Half Marathon only!
 The Marathon course is a Boston qualifier.
 MyLaps Bib Tag technology will be used to time all events.
 The Albright-Knox Art Gallery will be open before the race for all runners to relax and stay
warm.
 Secured baggage buses will be available for personal belongings including ID. Participants ARE
NOT permitted to use personal bags.
 All participants will receive a shirt, swag bag, finisher’s medal, recovery jacket and finisher’s
food.
 Water and a performance drink will be provided at the start and finish lines and along the
course.
 Portalets will be provided at the start and finish lines and along the course.
 Medical units will be located at the finish, as well as mobile units along the race course.
“We make a living by what we do, but we
make a life by what we give”
There are 2 types of positions available to sign up for; either a general volunteer for race
weekend or a coordinator that begins much earlier in the year and requires planning a specific
role leading up to race weekend.
GENERAL VOLUNTEER:
 Anywhere from 1 day to 5 days (Thursday, October 22, 2015 to Monday, October 26, 2015)
 Shifts Include:
o 7:00am – 1:00pm on Friday for Expo/Registration Set-Up
o 1:00pm – 7:00pm on Friday for the Expo/Registration
o 9:30am – 5:30pm Saturday for the Expo/Registration
o 6:00am - 6:00pm on Sunday for Race Day
 Shifts will vary depending on role assignments, dates & times.
COORDINATOR:
 Coordinators are encouraged to create a flexible schedule that works best for them to
complete the required tasks of their role while making sure they meet any deadlines set
forth by NFIM.
 NFIM allows coordinators to invest as much or as little time as they feel is required to
fulfill their role, as long they meet all the requirements of that role.
 We support coordinators working from home or arranging to work from within the NFIM
office.
 Some coordinators may be required to visit the NFIM Office 2-3 weeks before race
weekend to take inventory of products and deliveries pertaining to their role and gather
and organize supplies needed.
 We strive to provide open communication and periodically check-in with coordinators to
ensure tasks are being completed and provide help and support when needed.
 Some coordinator roles will require more time invested than others.
 Most coordinators will be required to volunteer over race weekend to oversee, supervise
and execute the role they have contributed to planning.
We have put together some simple rules and expectations that NFIM anticipates from all staff
and volunteers over race weekend.
All volunteers represent the Niagara Falls International Marathon and it is important to portray
a positive image. Regardless of your role or experience you are expected to:
 Treat participants, spectators, guests, staff and fellow volunteers with respect and
courtesy.
 Be sensitive to the diverse populations involved with the Niagara Falls International
Marathon.
 Conduct yourself in a way that portrays a positive image.
 Show up on time, stay through your entire shift and dress appropriately.
 Wear your volunteer shirt and tag at all times during race weekend.
 Only bring necessary items with you to your scheduled shift (there will be limited storage
space).
 Use proper language at all times.
 Contact your Coordinator immediately if you must cancel a scheduled shift.
 Act friendly and be enthusiastic!
Confirmation emails will be sent to all volunteers 1-3 weeks prior to race weekend. This
will include your volunteer role assignments, shift schedules, check-in location and times
and last minute details pertaining to your role.
Planning for your role is an important part of your volunteer experience. Familiarizing yourself
with the information provided in this guide is the first step. The following check-list is designed
to help you prepare for your race weekend duties:
 Wear comfortable shoes. You will be spending most of the day standing.
 You will receive a volunteer shirt when you arrive so be prepared to change or wear
something you can put this shirt over.
 Be sure to check the weather for race weekend and dress appropriately! This event runs
rain or shine so make sure to LAYER and wear clothes you don’t mind getting dirty or
wet!
 A FREE lunch is provided for all volunteers that work a 6 hour shift or longer at the
Expo and Finish Line locations. You are welcome to bring snacks and water as well.
 Please arrive 1 hour to 30 minutes prior to your shift.
 Check-in and check-out is mandatory for ALL volunteers. Please make sure to check-in
at the assigned location provided to you in your confirmation email.
 Parking is available at all volunteer locations. Refer to confirmation email for details.
 Remember to have FUN, be HELPFUL and SMILE!
THANKS FOR PLANNING AHEAD!
As a valued volunteer we promise to make your volunteer experience the best it can be by:
 Making sure we listen to your concerns, problems and issues.
 Treating you with respect and courtesy.
 Keeping you informed about changes and updates with the Niagara Falls International
Marathon that pertain to you.
 Provide you with a safe and enjoyable atmosphere in which to volunteer.
 Provide you with an information/orientation session to help better prepare you for your
role.
 All volunteers will receive a volunteer shirt and volunteer tag to wear over race weekend.
“Volunteers do not necessarily
have the time, they just have
the heart”
Remember to always check our Website, Facebook and Twitter pages for the most current
updates and information:
www.niagarafallsmarathon.com
www.Facebook.com/NiagaraFallsInternationalMarathon
https://twitter.com/#!/NiagaraMarathon
This will always be your first tool to access everything and anything related to the Niagara Falls
International Marathon!
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For more information please contact the NFIM Office:
Niagara Falls International Marathon Inc.
Address: 5300 Willmott Street, Niagara Falls, On, L2E 2A7
Phone: 905-356-9460
Fax: 905-356-7156
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.niagarafallsmarathon.com
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