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October 2019 - Jay Hallman
Congratulations to our October Volunteer of the Month, Jay Hallman! Jay has been volunteering with Atlanta Track Club for the past four years and enjoys working at race number pickup and at our Midweek Runs. He volunteers with us about 15 times a year and has been named a Volunteer All Star for the past three years. Jay has been running every day since the 2014 AJC Peachtree Road Race. It's this dedication and enthusiasm for running that Jay brings to every event that makes him such a valuable volunteer.
How long have you been volunteering with Atlanta Track Club?
This is my fourth year volunteering with Atlanta Track Club. I joined the Club back in January 2012 and I have been a member for almost 8 years. I had thought about becoming a volunteer for some time before and I finally decided to sign up for my first event. I am so glad I became a volunteer.
Do you remember your first time volunteering with Atlanta Track Club? What brings you back?
My first event was the Publix Georgia Marathon & Half Marathon in March 2016. Since this was the first year the Atlanta Track Club would be staging the event, I knew this would be a great time for me to sign up and help out. My first assignment was at the expo working race number pick-up. The event was well organized, and everyone I worked with was very welcoming. Many of the volunteers had worked with the Club for some time and were very willing to help me at my first event. I really enjoyed getting to meet the many participants who stopped by that day to pick up their numbers and was very impressed by their commitment to train for their race.
Do you have a favorite Atlanta Track Club event?
My favorite Atlanta Track Club event is the AJC Peachtree Road Race. First, I volunteer at race number pick-up at the Health & Fitness Expo. After working a shift, I am even more excited for race day. I always arrive early on race morning to enjoy taking in the scene. We should be very proud to have the largest road race in the country right here in Atlanta. The huge American flag and the national anthem get me pumped for a great morning of running. I really enjoy the camaraderie we experience in our start waves. The fantastic support all along a challenging course make the race itself very special to run. After the race, we get to visit with each other in the park and at the member after-party. I can think of no better way to kick off a special day like the Fourth of July.
What is one of your best memories from volunteering at any race?
My best memories from volunteering are the many smiles I have seen on the faces of our participants, especially those of the children who attend our Kilometer Kids events. Not having started running myself until I was almost 40 years old, I am thrilled that I can help our young people develop an interest in running. I hope they continue to run and grow to love our sport.
What is your favorite thing about volunteering with Atlanta Track Club?
I don't think I can point to one thing that would be my favorite part of volunteering, but it is incredibly rewarding to give back to an activity that I love so much. I know that in a small way each of us are working together to give our participants an enjoyable experience. We truly are promoting health and fitness, and we are making a big difference in our community. I have also had the opportunity along the way to meet our Club staff and fellow volunteers. Many of us work the same events, and it is always nice to catch up. I always have a chance to meet someone new and encourage them to continue volunteering. As much as I enjoy competing in our Atlanta Track Club events, I believe I actually enjoy volunteering in them even more.
Do you have a favorite volunteer assignment?
My favorite volunteer role would be working race number pickup. We not only give out the race bibs, but usually the shirts for the event, as well. I enjoy getting to meet the participants before the actual race day. Their excitement is very contagious.
A close second for my favorite volunteer assignment would be working as a course monitor, which I typically perform at our Kilometer Kids events. I enjoy being able to encourage all of our participants while they are completing their event.
How many Atlanta Track Club events do you typically volunteer at during the year?
I typically volunteer at about 15 events during the year. This will be my third year being recognized as a Volunteer All Star. I enjoy working a mix of different events. I volunteer at most of the Midweek Runs where Kilometer Kids club and kids from the city compete during the spring and fall. I work race number pickup at our four premier events. I also volunteer on race day if I am not running. I enjoy each and every one of these opportunities I have to help the Club.
Do you have any words of advice or wisdom for any new Atlanta Track Club volunteers?
Anything else you'd like us to know?
My current running streak is a little over five years long. I haven't missed a single daily run since the AJC Peachtree Road Race back in 2014.
Volunteer of the Month Update
Mizuno strives to be Atlanta's essential and reliable running brand. Since 2018 they have been committed to YOU, the essential and reliable volunteers who make our 30+ events and programs possible. They provide the Volunteer of the Month with seasonal apparel and discounted footwear to make all those hours spent on your feet more comfortable.
Previous Volunteers of the Month
"Volunteer of the Month" began in March of 2015 with the launch of our new website as a way to honor and recognize our amazing Atlanta Track Club volunteers who go above and beyond the call of duty. Congratulations to our Volunteers of the Month and thank you for all that you do!
September 2019 - Komlan Tamatekou
December 2018 - Roberta McQuade
October 2018 - Sylvia Chambless
September 2018 - Cartersville High School Wrestling Team
April 2018 - Linda Bode Phinney
March 2018 - Jess and Walter Kolis
February 2018 - Marylyn Sabol
January 2018 - Jennifer Grunbaum
February 2017 - Virginia Harris
January 2017 - Bill and Dana Zavatky
December 2016 - Dr. Robert Albin
November 2016 - Kathryn Welden
October 2016 - Bill Strickland
April 2016 - Roosevelt Thomas and Thomas Baker
February 2016 - Dennis Burgess
December 2015 - Cee Cee and PJ Johnson