Club News

What Does a Marshal Do?

Those of you who are new to the club or new to triathlon may not know what is involved with being a volunteer race marshal, so hopefully this brief description will shed some light on what marshals actually do on race day.  It takes a lot of people to run a successful race, and marshals are vital to creating a safe and fun environment.  Marshals at LTC events are provided with a packed lunch and race-relted goodies.  Marshaling is  a great way to meet your fellow club members, get a look at the behind-the-scenes action and have some fun!

All Marshals:  All marshals should be sure to sign in on the “Non-Competitor” sign-in sheet.  Meet at the marshal tent, or wherever you are instructed to sign in, get your lunch/goodies and receive specific instruction about where you are needed on the day.

Registration:  The evening before the race and/or morning of the race.  Check athletes names against registration list, check for TI card or one-day licence, hand out race numbers, timing chips and goody bags.  Athletes will have questions about race day, so it helps to have read the race briefing.  Or know who to direct them to for an answer!

Transition/Bike Park Set-Up:  The day before the race, install barriers in transition.   On race day, check competitor helmets and bikes for road-worthiness.  If you are in transition on race day, you will likely face questions from athletes about wave start times, bag-drop and toilet location, so it helps to have read the race briefing.  You may also direct athletes to the run/bike exits during the race.

Swim Course:  A head swim marshal will assign you one or more duties, which might include the following: Direct swimmers to the water according to their wave, count swimmers into and/or out of the water, direct swimmers to transition.  Keep spectators off the course when athletes are exiting swim.

Bike Course:  A head bike marshal will assign you a location on the course.  Direct athletes at confusing/dangerous junctions, be a visible presence for vehicular traffic to warn them of athletes on the course, keep spectators off the course when athletes are passing.  While you may warn traffic of athletes on the course, we are not authorized to stop/direct traffic and you should always defer to Gardai.

Run Course:  A head run marshal will assign you a location on the course.  Direct athletes at confusing/dangerous junctions, be a visible presence for vehicular traffic to warn them of athletes on the course, keep spectators off the course when athletes are passing.  Hand out water and collect empty cups if there is a water station.   While you may warn traffic of athletes on the course, we are not authorized to stop/direct traffic and you should always defer to Gardai.

Finish Line:  Collect ankle tags, hand out water/bananas, call out numbers of finishing athletes to help timing personnel. 

Floater:  There is always someone to find, something to deliver, or coffee runs to be made!  If you have finished your assigned role and have to/want to stick around, an extra pair of hands never goes astray!