This was the best organized and fun event I’ve been to in my 11 years as a father!
Our racers tell us over and over again that we have the best volunteers! We couldn’t agree more and are so fortunate to have a fantastic community of people who volunteer with the Birdie Derby.
You can help us by becoming a volunteer. We have positions both before and on Thanksgiving Day.
Do you like talking to people in the community? Do you enjoy prize wheels? Do you look good in a turkey costume? Berbee staff members are hoping to talk to new audiences this fall to introduce them to the race. Duties may include putting up posters in businesses, staffing a table at Farmer’s Markets and festivals, soliciting items, sharing on social media, recruiting teams – or bring your own promotional ideas. We’d love to hear them! Click here to contact us.
We love our teams, many of which have been with us since the beginning. As a Team Processing volunteer, you will cross-check team t-shirts and bibs with team rosters to create individual team member packets, place packets in team boxes, and sort them alphabetically for pickup. A high level of attention to detail is required and it is a somewhat physical task. We also fold our generic participant t-shirts the same day. Since this activity works in groups, it would be an excellent opportunity for family or friends to volunteer together.
OK, so we made up a fancy title! There is a super dedicated group of volunteers that have been coming in and stuffing our goodie bags for years. They are fast at the assembly line process! You would be working to keep all the items stocked on the assembly tables and move large boxes of completed bags. If you are quick on your feet, able to lift and carry boxes, and have good attention to your surroundings, you’ll be perfect.
As a pre-race day packet pick-up volunteer, you will check in participants, assign race bibs, and hand out goodie bags and t-shirts. The ability to use an iPad (or similar technology) and effectively communicate is required. (Currently, this position is only open to Singlewire employees.)
As a pre-race day packet pickup runner, you will bring t-shirts to the Packet Pick Up Agents and keep the inventory of goodie bags stocked at the Registration table. This job requires walking and standing for the majority of the shift.
At our headquarters, you will sit at the front desk, greet our racers and make sure they find their way to the Packet Pick-Up area.
Everybody loves merch! Especially when it’s turkey-themed. Sell Derby-related products to all our fans using a credit card reader.
Our Parking Captain is amazing! He is looking for one or two people to take on more responsibility. Maybe you’ve volunteered with the parking crew in the past and had a great time. Or you’re brand new and think an orange safety vest is a bold fashion statement. You’ll help strategize parking plans, place signage, and lead and train other volunteers. Click here to contact us if you’re interested.
The Birdie Derby is so awesome that people want to participate even if they can’t be here in person. Help staff mail t-shirts and goodie bag items to our virtual racers and medals to our winners. Attention to detail is a must. Click here to contact us if you’re interested.
One of the best jobs – distribute our delectable treats to runners after the finish line. Help set up, stock and replenish, and clean up the food tent.
Make people feel like superstars – play paparazzi for the day. You will direct race finishers in and out of the photo booth areas, encouraging individuals, families, and groups to get their pictures taken. Energy, a loud voice, and an outgoing spirit are helpful.
You will direct traffic into the Berbee Derby lots and around the race grounds and make sure VIP parkers find their correct areas.
If you like being busy, this is your job. First, you’ll send our littlest gobblers, ages 2-6, off for the 100-yard Kid’s Dash and distribute medals to each one at the finish. Then you will prepare runners and walkers for the race start by dividing 10k and 5k runners/walkers into waves. Finally switch to the finish line to congratulate and guide them through the finish area. You will also be responsible for distributing post-race water at the finish area. It’s fast-paced, but so much fun.
As a Day of Race Packet Pickup volunteer, you will assign race bibs, distribute t-shirts, and assist pre-registered participants with questions, as well as help day-of registrants complete the process. Comfort using an iPad is a plus.
One of the best jobs on a chilly day. Stay warm with cozy beverages as you maintain a stock of supplies in the Coffee & Hot Cocoa tent. After the race, celebrate with the winners when you pass out awards. Finish the day by helping to clean up the Coffee & Hot Cocoa area.
Help our participants go down the right path. Course Marshals direct runners and walkers along the course and provide encouragement to them throughout the race.
As a Water Stop volunteer, you will provide runners and walkers with water along the course, restock and maintain water stations, and assist in water station clean-up after the race. And of course, cheer loudly. It’s a great job for families or groups that want to work as a team.
Being a good neighbor is important to us. Clean-Up volunteers assist in post-event cleanup around the race grounds and Birdie Derby lots. (You will also receive a FREE entry into the race if you sign up to be a Clean-Up volunteer!!! Just sign up to be a clean-up volunteer and we will contact you with an entry code so that you can sign up to run or walk for FREE!)
All volunteers receive a free Birdie Derby winter hat, plus a chance to win some fabulous prizes. You could win gift cards from some amazing sponsors. (To be eligible, you must sign up and perform a volunteer job. All confirmed volunteers who perform their assigned jobs will be entered in the post-race raffle. The winners will be randomly selected, notified by email, and we will arrange for winners to receive their prizes.)
Plus, and more importantly, you are going to get tons of good feels for helping our runners, walkers, and spectators enjoy an exciting day of fun. Some of our volunteers come to learn more about the race. Some come to support the Tri 4 School’s mission. Did you know that 100% of the proceeds from the Birdie Derby go to the Madison-based Tri 4 Schools? Tri 4 Schools support the wellness of kids inside and outside the classroom.
Ready to sign up? Click the link and register for open positions. Make it even more fun by bringing family and friends.
If you are interested in taking on a more leadership role with the Derby, take the next step by clicking here to contact us. Tell us a little about yourself. Help us grow our team and stay a strong contributing member of the community.
Tri 4 Schools
We’re supporting the well-being of kids inside and outside the classroom.
Since 2011, we’ve donated over $450,000 to over 200 schools and 22,000 kids have crossed the finish line!