**Please only select one volunteer role.**
Join us to cheer on Team Gilda at the 2024 Chicago Marathon!
This year, we have our biggest Team Gilda to date with 79 runners and we can't wait to see everyone run down Wells Street in front of our Downtown Clubhouse! The Downtown Clubhouse is perfectly located between the 12th and 13th mile of the marathon, giving us the opportunity to give our runners a major boost halfway through.
Below is more information about marathon day and your volunteer role. Please read over the information carefully. In order to ensure the safety of the marathon participants and to keep GCC in good standing as an official cheer station of the Chicago Marathon, we reserve the right to ask anyone to leave if they are not adhering to the policies below.
General Information
- Wear your Gilda red!
- We highly recommend taking public transportation as there are many street closures during this time. If you are planning to drive, please be mindful of the rolling street closures and no parking zones.
- The marathon happens rain or shine. (All the fingers and toes crossed for beautiful weather!)
- The first runners typically pass the Downtown Clubhouse around 8:00 AM and the last runners typically pass by around 12:00 PM.
- The whole family is invited! However, if you bring children, they must be supervised by an adult at all times, and if you bring dogs, they must be leashed at all times (and please clean up after!).
- The Downtown Clubhouse will be open for coffee, tours, restrooms, and relaxation. - - The building is fully ADA accessible with an elevator and accessible restrooms on all floors.
Cheer Team Volunteers
- GCC will provide ALL cheer supplies. Please do not bring outside noise makers, confetti, or silly string. We are responsible for cleaning the street and sidewalk following the marathon.
- You are welcome to make your own sign to encourage the runners.
- Cheer team volunteers are not allowed to leave the sidewalk in front of the Downtown Clubhouse for any reason at any time. No one besides runners and course marshals should be on the road.
- Do not touch any runners, give high-fives, hugs, etc. unless you personally know the runner and they come to the sidewalk.
Clubhouse Host
- You will be responsible for ensuring the Clubhouse is warm and inviting for everyone stopping by our cheer station.
- This includes:
- Making coffee and ensuring supplies are stocked
- Keeping printed materials stocked and tidy
- Greeting guests as they enter the Clubhouse and providing directions
- 1st shift is responsible for setup
- 2nd shift is responsible for cleanup
Clubhouse Tours
- Conduct small group tours of the Clubhouse
- Explain the importance of Gilda's Club Chicago
- Collect contact information for those new to GCC at the end of the tour
- This role should be filled by an experienced volunteer who is very familiar with the layout of the Clubhouse and understands the mission of GCC
If you have any questions regarding your volunteer role or GCC in general, please do not hesitate to reach out to Debbie Slowinski, Volunteer & Outreach Coordinator, at debbieslowinski@gildasclubchicago.org.
