Volunteers still needed for IRONMAN 70.3 at Bald Eagle State Park
- by Britt Madera
- June 12, 2023
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Volunteer at the IRONMAN 70.3 event in Centre and Clinton Counties
The first IRONMAN competition in Pennsylvania is almost here, and volunteers are still needed to help make this event a success! If you live near the Centre/Clinton county portion of the PA Wilds I-80 Frontier landscape (or are willing to travel there), you can be a part of this incredible event.
Athletes will take on their race journey with a 1.2-mile swim in Foster Joseph Sayers Reservoir at Bald Eagle State Park, a scenic 56-mile bike ride through the beautiful rolling hills of Centre and Clinton Counties, and a 13.1-mile run on the campus of Penn State University.
Volunteers are needed at Bald Eagle State Park and other areas along the race. Volunteer opportunities at Bald Eagle State Park (PDF) include:
- Bike and gear bag check in
- Environmental crew
- Bike course marshals (pointers)
- Crowd control
- Swim exit
- Swim lifeguards
- Swim stand up paddleboard/kayak/canoe
- Transition — swim to bike
- Wetsuit peeling
- Bike aid stations
Volunteers are needed June 29 – July 2.
Learn more about all race volunteer opportunities and sign up at the IRONMAN 70.3 Pennsylvania Happy Valley website. Questions about the volunteer opportunities should be sent to: IM70.3PENN@ironman.com.
Why volunteer?
Volunteering at an event is a commitment. You won’t get paid or get worldwide recognition for your accomplishments. Still, any avid volunteer will tell you that it’s worth it!
Connect with others
People are social creatures, and we love interacting with one another. If you bring a friend and volunteer together, you’ll get to spend some quality time together and make a fun new memory. If you come alone, you’re sure to make connections with other volunteers. Working towards a common goal is a fast way of making new friends and building relationships. It’s hard to feel lonely while volunteering!
Spend time outdoors
In the PA Wilds, our natural assets and beautiful landscapes draw in countless visitors who are inspired by its beauty. Especially with volunteer opportunities such as the IRONMAN 70.3 event, volunteers get the chance to spend some time outside and breathe in the fresh air. If you enjoy being out in Mother Nature, volunteering in the PA Wilds allows you to do what you love and also know that you’re giving back to the community!
Be part of something bigger
Volunteering directly benefits your community and makes it a better place to live, work, and play. When you volunteer at a large event like IRONMAN 70.3, you’ll know that you’re contributing to something bigger than just yourself. Events like these need a lot of helping hands, but they also touch the lives of many participants and travelers. These participants will get to experience the beautiful landscapes of the PA Wilds, meet friend people, and buy things at local shops. You’ll be a part of bettering our communities, and it all literally couldn’t happen without you!
Improve your health (physical and mental)
Time and time again, numerous studies show that volunteering improves your physical and mental health. Taking time to focus on others and give back to your community allows you to forget about your own problems. It lowers stress and lowers blood pressure. Simply doing an altruistic act has been shown to release so-called “happiness hormones,” elevating your mood and producing what is sometimes called “the helper’s high.” As a plus, if your volunteer work includes some physical labor, you can count it as a good workout!
Gain confidence and new skills
Branching out from your everyday routine can help push you to try new things. These new experiences can grow your confidence and your skill sets! You’ll learn that you are capable of doing incredible things. You’ll also gain valuable life experience and skills that you can add to your resume, and employers are impressed by candidates who show dedication to their communities.
Relieve stress and have fun
Don’t forget, volunteering is fun! Spending time with interesting folks, flexing your skills, spending time outdoors, making new memories, giving back to a cause that is close to your heart… What’s not to love?
Want to find other ways to give back and get involved in the PA Wilds? Check out our Volunteer Opportunities page.
