Mercy Home Heroes Race Day Volunteers
Mercy Home Heroes Race Day Volunteer Information
Thank you for your interest in volunteering to cheer on the Mercy Home Heroes Marathon team on Sunday, October 8, 2023! Each year, hundreds of Mercy Home Heroes hit the Chicago streets, running 26.2 miles in support of our kids. What’s even more impressive is the hundreds of thousands of dollars they raise to help give children in crisis a safe and loving home.
While our Heroes support our kids, we need your help to support our Heroes. The Bank of America Chicago Marathon passes Mercy Home at miles 15 & 17 — will you come out and help us cheer on our runners? We create an amazing Cheer Station for the family and friends of our runners here at Mercy Home, as well as the Hero HQ in the Loop to support our runners pre & post race, and we need volunteers to help make it all possible.
Volunteer Details
All ages are welcome; children 16 & under must be accompanied by an adult. Community service hours will be given to those who need it.
Volunteers are needed at two different locations:
- Heroes HQ is located at DePaul University’s Loop Campus, 333 S. State Street, Chicago, IL 60604, 11th Floor.
- The Mercy Mile Cheer Station is located at our West Loop Campus, 1140 W Jackson Blvd, Chicago, IL 60607.
Details on individual volunteer roles are listed below. Requests for a certain role will be taken into consideration and filled on a first-come, first-served basis. We ask that all volunteers be flexible as roles may change. If you’d like to request a certain role, please include it in the comment box on the form below. Otherwise, we will assign you to a role that best fits your availability.
Heroes HQ
Gear Check and Runner Check-In & Support
Manage the runners’ room, check, and organize gear, and provide runner recovery support as needed after the race.
Spectator Check-In
Greet families and other supporters of the runners. Collect contact information and payments for meals.
Spectator Support
Manage smooth entry/exit of spectators at buffet area. Ensure all guests have the necessary wristband to proceed.
Shuttle Attendant
Help guests find the trolley pick-up point and direct them to the 11th floor once they exit.
Finish Line Team
Greet runners as they return from finishing 26.2 miles! Cheer at elevators and direct them toward our runner recovery room or greet them downstairs and direct them to the 11th floor.
Mercy Home Cheer Station
Set Up Team
Install bleachers, signs, and tables for the “Mercy Mile.”
Shuttle Attendant
Help guests board trolley to Heroes HQ and direct guests to Cheer Station upon exiting the trolley.
T-Shirt Area/Cashier
Sort and distribute t-shirts to be given to volunteers. Accept payments for spectator shirts and food items.
Spot-A-Runner
Be on the lookout for Mercy Home Heroes! When you spot a Hero amid the other runners, announce that the runner is headed toward the Mercy Mile. We’ll be ready to cheer as they run by!
Dismantle Team
Remove bleachers, signs, and other event equipment.
Sign up to Volunteer!
