At the end of this month, the B.A.A. will hold a special event to celebrate and thank our volunteers who have been with us for an incredible three decades.
Let's get to know two of them a little more and learn why volunteering is such a rewarding experience for them.
“My name is Neil Svendsen I am from Holliston, Massachusetts. I am a retired from the Federal Civil Service and was also in the US Army Reserve.”
“My name is Alice Dailey, 68. I retired from MetLife Insurance and currently work at a small on-line auction company assisting folks with liquidation of estates and downsizing. My partner Toni and I live outside Boston in Danvers with Sally Mae, our tiny (4lb) rescue dog.”
How did your volunteer journey begin?
NS: I started in 1993 at the recommendation of a fellow service member. I’ve done a variety of roles in that time including working at the finish line and results mailings. I am now Team Captain of ‘Team Svendsen’, and we do bib distribution at the Expo, and we also help with the packet stuffing and runners' bags. We do the same role at the B.A.A. distance medley events too.
AD: I began volunteering at the 1990 Boston Marathon with a wonderful group of family and friends through my best friend Beth White O’Connor, who was a John Hancock employee at the time. My first year was at a water stop in Newton. We worked tirelessly setting up, mixing Gatorade and filling cups, all while cheering on the runners by number or name or anything else to make it personal for the runner as if I could bring the finish line just a little closer to them.
How has the experience changed since you began 30 years ago?
NS: There have been a lot of changes over the years – mostly how technology has come into play. We used to do a lot of manual actions like removing timing chips from runner’s shoes at the finish line. Most actions are done electronically now.
AD: Our core group has largely remained the same, with small changes adding a new friend or two as we’ve gone along. This year will be a first without our beloved Jack Swyer who we lost a couple of months ago. He was an amazing volunteer on our team even this year aged 97 - bantering with people from all over the world and enjoying every minute. That was a gift for all of us to watch.
You give a lot as a volunteer, what does volunteering give you?
NS: I really enjoy meeting runners from all over the world – learning why they run Boston, especially first-time runners. My wife Diane and seven other family members – including my son Jason and daughter Jenn- have made volunteering a real family affair. It’s become a big day out in Boston for us all.
AD: You cannot possibly put into words what it feels like to be part of a team which comes together like a family at a special holiday once a year. You have to experience it for yourself. Our reward is the ‘thank you for all you do, for being here for us’ from so many of the runners and the wonderful communications throughout our entire assignments starting in January and throughout the year from the B.A.A. They are constantly reviewing the procedures and making changes to improve it for the runners and for us. Having my partner Toni join our team was a also perfect fit and special to get to do it together.
What are some of your most memorable experiences?
NS: One of my most memorable experiences over the years was having my wife Diane placing my finishers medal around my neck. My most memorable volunteering experience is probably meeting the late Rick and Dick Hoyt.
AD: The first year is one of the most memorable for me. I approached it as “sure this could be fun to try” never imagining the impact it would make on me or fathoming this was going to be a commitment I always wanted to be a part of. Up to that point I was aware of the Boston Marathon, had heard some of the names and stories, but when I volunteered, the marathon took on a whole new meaning and I was hooked.
NS: Runners and volunteers are a special group that I think can really relate to each other. Many volunteers have run Boston too, including myself. I ran the 100th Boston Marathon and did it again with my daughter Jenn in 2006.
AD: We have worked water stops, starting line, finish line, bibs and currently we do shirt distribution. The names I had only read about have gone before me on the course: Jonny Kelley, Joan Benoit Samuelson, Dick and Rick Hoyt and so many more. Their determination and courage, knowing what obstacles they had to face left all of us emotionally appreciative of the experience.”
What does it mean to you to be recognized this year for your years of service?
NS: To be recognized by the B.A.A. after 30 years shows that they value what my team and I have contributed to the marathon. They really are the best group of people I have ever worked with.
AD: Being singled out with a few others to be honored for my years of service - I can only say that it is I who is honored to have been allowed to be welcomed back year after year and to be included in such a part of Boston history. Thank you!
If you’re thinking about getting involved, here’s what Neil and Alice have to say...
AD: To any person interested in getting a chance to volunteer, do it!
NS: When anyone asks me about volunteering, I always tell them to apply and do it.
Interested in volunteering for a B.A.A. event?
Check out our volunteer page for more information.
Our next volunteer opportunity is at the B.A.A. Half Marathon on Sunday, November 12th. Details on how to apply can be found here.
Boston Marathon volunteer applications open in Athletes’ Village on Wednesday, December 6th and will remain open until Friday, February 2nd.