What do you want from a marshall?

As a first-time marshal the thing that struck me on the day is all the questions you get asked, long before you're sent off to your station.  So I would say that a good marshal briefing is important - make sure everyone knows where the toilets are, any specific arrangements for getting people to the start, whether/where there is any baggage drop-off, water stations, etc. 

Yes, this sort of information will be in the runners' information but that's beside the point.  People have the capacity of a goldfish for absorbing this kind of information, plus some of the marshals may well be volunteers drafted in at the last minute who are literally turning up on the day and awaiting instructions.  So a good marshal briefing gets my vote, then make sure they know where they are on the route when they get there.  I guess emergency phone number contact including everyone having the number for the race safety officer, etc. is a given.

As PP, but make sure marshalls have their phones charged up and that Race Director (or whoever) has each marshall's phone number too. If a hot day, give marshalls further round the course a supply of bottled water (I was marshalling at 9k on a 10k trail race last year on a very hot day and my extra, unofficial water station was much appreciated, especially by the slower runners).

Good luck

best shout of encouragement is "good running!"....short and sweet...always appreciate it (especially if on the point of collapse)...

At the pre race briefing, the Marshalls should be clear where they are to be positoned, and how they are to get there. Not every Marshall has a bike and cars may not be allowed on the route, especially if it is a cross country race.

This is all great stuff. Thanks everyone.
My only problem is that we'd decided on Rock Star Jumps rather than jumping jacks?? Do you think that'll be an issue?

In all seriousness, this is all very useful stuff.

Thanks.

Rose.

Good luck to anyone who thinks wearing a high viz vest will make a car stop? It might work in the middle of a town but try asking some hairy ass farmer to stop his 4x4 on his way to market!

As for all races having markers? They don't!

There was a particularly supportive marshall at the Cambridge Half who was high fiving the runners and giving lots of encouragement - at just before mile 9 this was the perfect place for him to be so maybe do your best to get your most outgoing people at the toughest bts of the course.

Heh. In the Falmouth Half, as we were struggling up a brutal gradient there was a marshal telling us "don't worry about this hill, it's nothing compared to the next one". Couldn't argue with him on a point of fact, has to be said.

The marshals might not have the right to stop cars, but cars have no right to run over runners either.

Knowing where they are on the course is handy, and if there are gaps between the runners then have their arm out pointing in the direction we have to go nice and early helps. Make sure that they are stood in the right spot on tight turns or where there are a few different options of paths to take so that we don't have to think too much in our confused racing state of mind.

Marshalling is harder than racing!

You need a good SOH. A rubbish bag (for the gel wrappers and other crap that will come your way). Your own water/sarnies/flask of tea (some clubs give their volunteers some nosh). You must know how far from the start/end you are. Check out all obstacles such as high kerbs, low hanging branches, slippery surface.

Above all be energetic. Shouts of "looking good", "brilliant running" whatever are all appreciated just a smile and an accurate point/route description "sharp left here, well done" goes down well too. What makes me wonder is how some marshals sit in a chair contributing nothing and puffing on a foul smelling rollie and then get grumpy when nobody says thank you.

It's always a neat idea to commandeer some kids and get them to hand out jelly babies.

Be prepared for anyone, no, everyone over 65 who walks past your marshal point to stop and chat and oooo and ahhhhh at the distance involved.

Above all be thick skinned. Some runners must get grumpy when they are tired as they don't say thanks and can even be rude. The vast majority however will say thanks and appreciate that you've got the hardest job.

          

        Chase the the bad guys outta town

I'd say to marshall - hope that helps!