Last week I joined the cheering point of Runners of Bucharest at the Legal Half Marathon race in Bucharest. The race had a 5 km loop that was completed four times for the half marathon distance, so the runners passed by our point multiple times. Even better, the point was on a straight out-and-back section with runners coming from both directions – non-stop action.
Four hours of cheering
The weather was good for racing but too cold for standing outside, so I had to wear warmer clothes to keep me going for almost four hours out there. Despite the conditions, the group energy was awesome – and the little Westie from the image was by far the loudest. The cheering point was pet-friendly, so a few dogs were present throughout the day, adding to the atmosphere.
We didn’t only cheer – we also helped the volunteers at the nearby hydration point, handing over glasses of water to runners. This way runners could grab what they needed without losing time or having to stop.
Giving back to the community
It was my first time volunteering at a running event this big, and it felt really good to give back to the community. I’ve run many races that were only possible thanks to the volunteers present at hydration points, crossroads, and along the course. Being on the other side for a day gave me an even greater appreciation for the people who make these events happen.
