Recently in the HPRS Private Facebook Group, HPRS ambassador Derek Talbott asked an important question, “What are your biggest barriers that prevent you from volunteering?”
“If you have the time to train, you have time to volunteer. If you have the time to race, you have time to volunteer. If you have the time to volunteer, you have the time to volunteer.”
We and many other race organizations all across the country are desperate for volunteers. Whether a race is for-profit or not-for-profit, we cannot do it without an army of support for our runners. We hope that everyone can appreciate that a continued lack of volunteerism only spells disaster for our sport, and has the potential to cause some races to shut down.
Derek received 43 responses to his question from members of our community. A lot of the answers involved one’s career obligations, kids and family obligations, the distance one must travel to a race to volunteer, and… DOGS. A number of folks mentioned the expense of doggy daycare being a considerable barrier to their ability to help out.
HPRS has a strict “No Dogs” policy. We know it is not a popular policy for dog owners, while it is a very popular policy for folks who are uncomfortable around dogs. We hope that everyone is able to see and appreciate both sides of this conundrum.
In an effort to break down this particular barrier, we have decided to update our dog policy as follows:
For registered runners, spectators and crews, dogs will continue to be prohibited from all HPRS events. Thank you for understanding.
1.) All volunteers who wish to bring their dog must first reach out to our race director via email for final approval. Please do not bring your dog without first having this interaction.
2.) Course Markers and Sweeps may bring their dog so long as they follow all dog rules and regulations of the associated land managers and their trails. This includes dog access and on/off-leash regulations. Only one (1) dog is permitted to run with a marker or sweep
3.) Volunteers are allowed to bring their dog to aid station shifts so long as that aid station does not also serve as a start/finish line or an aid station with crew access.
4.) Only one (1) dog is allowed at an aid station at a time. If a volunteer has already indicated that they are bringing their dog, a second request for a dog will be denied. If you are the owner of multiple dogs, only one (1) dog will be permitted to attend with you.
5.) Your dog must be leashed and/or contained at all times. Your dog must remain at least 30 yards (90′) away from an aid station table and/or runners at all times.
6.) If your dog cannot handle being leashed or away from people without having a spazz/whine attack, or hours long barking symphony (constant or intermittent), you should not bring your dog. Please, only dogs with a considerable level of self control and can remain calm are permitted.
Finally, understand that should you bring your dog for volunteer duties and any one of these policies are found to be ignored or not adhered to; We reserve the right to not issue earned volunteer credits and you may be held liable for any restitution required in the event of an incident with another person, dog, or to the lands in which we use. It also becomes a reality that these policies be revoked and we return to a strict “No Dogs” policy for everyone. Please don’t ruin it for everyone!
It is our hope that these adjustments open the door for more folks to volunteer with us without having the burden of expensive doggy daycare. We want to recognize that this is on a trial basis at this time, and the level of success or failure we see with these policies will ultimately dictate any further policy updates.
To Volunteer with HPRS, CLICK HERE.