Every year, InterExchange organizes a special volunteering opportunity for our participants at the TCS New York City Marathon. In 2024, the TCS NYC Marathon will occur on Sunday, November 3! Many InterExchange participants have joined the event in past years, and we hope 2024 will also be a great success!
The TCS New York City Marathon has been taking place since 1970 and is the largest marathon in the world: 50,000 runners participate every year, representing more than 120 countries. More than 10,000 volunteers support the runners from the moment they begin their journey to the finish line.
The U.S. Department of State is coordinating this volunteer event for all J-1 Visa sponsors in the New York City area, so this will be a unique opportunity to meet participants from other BridgeUSA J-1 Visa exchange programs.
As in past years, the State Department volunteers will be congregating at various volunteer locations along the course: Mile 6, Mile 17, Mile 18, Mile 19, and Mile 23. All volunteer slots are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis and fill up fast. In case the volunteer Miles with the State Department are full, participants are encouraged to register for other volunteer opportunities along the course.
The InterExchange group will be volunteering at the U.S. Department of State Mile 19 Fluid Station in Manhattan (1st Avenue and East 117th Street) during Shift #2: 12:00 PM – 05:30 PM. To volunteer at Mile 19, please register via this dedicated link.
Once Mile 19 is full, InterExchange participants are encouraged to register and join other volunteers at the following locations:
- Mile 22 Fluid Station in Manhattan (5th Avenue and East 116th Street) during Shift #2: 12:30 PM – 6:30 PM
- Mile 21 Fluid Station in Manhattan (5th Avenue and East 135th Street) during shift #2: 12:30 PM – 6:30 PM
“Fluid station” volunteers assist with set-up, distribute water and Gatorade to the runners, and cheer them on. Please note this is a long shift requiring you to stand up for the day. Volunteers must commit to the entire volunteer shift.
If you want to volunteer with InterExchange for this event, please follow the registration instructions below and sign up by Monday, September 30, 2024. If you register and can’t make it, you can cancel your participation closer to the marathon date. We recommend reserving your spot as soon as possible.
To register to volunteer at the 2024 TCS NYC Marathon, all participants must create a profile (or log in to the existing one) with the NYRR (New York Road Runners).
- Learn how to create a profile.
- As you register, you will be asked to pick from the drop-down menu your volunteer group name. Your volunteer group name is Interexchange/U.S. State Department J-1.
The deadline to register is Monday, September 30, 2024. If you have questions about your registration, please email [email protected].
All fluid station volunteers will receive a TCS NYC Marathon branded poncho and an additional gift to keep. All volunteers who check-in will also receive a certificate of service and will have an amazing New York City experience!
Health and Safety Information:
Health and safety guidelines require that runners and volunteers adhere to federal, state, and local health and safety regulations and are listed on the NYRR.org website.
Please follow BridgeUSA on X, formerly known as Twitter, @ECAatState, Facebook @ExchangeProgramsatState, and Instagram @ExchangeOurWorld for photos of runners and volunteers participating on race day.
Follow, share, and tag your photos on social media with @InterExchange.
Additional Information:
Please be advised that bags thicker than an envelope and larger than a fist will not be permitted. If you must bring a bag, you will have to check it at volunteer check-in. Small waist packs are permitted.
