Volunteer of the Month

July 2021 - April Payton

Congratulations to April Payton, our July Volunteer of the Month! April has been volunteering with Atlanta Track Club since 2018. Most recently, April has been invaluable in helping us with our virtual race kits for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution Peachtree Road Race, spending countless hours packing and shipping race kits around the country. April followed that up with back to back volunteer shifts on July 3 and July 4. We are honored to have her volunteer support!

Do you remember your first time volunteering with Atlanta Track Club?

Hawks Fast Break 5K and Braves Country 5K; most of my friends run these races, and the free game ticket is usually on a fireworks night so it's fun all around.

What is your favorite Atlanta Track Club event?

I think Hawks Fast Break 5K was my favorite since I won a signed basketball from John Collins.

What is your favorite thing about volunteering with Atlanta Track Club?

The atmosphere of the runners and volunteers... Getting to meet new people and reconnect with old volunteers that become friends.

Do you have a favorite volunteer assignment? If so, explain.

I have two: course monitor and check-in. At check-in, you get to see the runners up close and get them pumped for the race; as a course monitor I cheer them on and even run alongside of them to get them back into the race.

Do you do any volunteering in the community beyond Atlanta Track Club?

I volunteer with Marietta Cobb Art Museum, Night at the Museum and Chalktober Festival. I am not a volunteer yet, but each year I participate in Relay for Life in both Georgia and Mississippi, Multiple Sclerosis Walk, and Heart Walk; I try to do as many races as I can and the ones I enjoyed the most I take off just to be a part of it.

What do you do for a living?

I have worked for Kroger for over 10 years. Currently, I am a Grocery Clerk and hope to become a Manager.

Do you have any advice or words of wisdom for any new Atlanta Track Club volunteers?

As a volunteer just have FUN and join in with the runners. It will help you pass the time and enjoy it much more. Seeing the smiles and the runners thanking you for being there just makes it all worth being there.