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Athleta Esprit de She Chicago 5k/10k Run

I went as a volunteer for a friend that has Epilepsy so that I would be there if she needed anything. We both ran last year so we knew the race was great. We were VERY disappointed this year. Not in the race itself, but from a volunteer's perspective. I revived an email with directions to a parking garage. After parking there and realizing that the garage was 7 MILES from the starting line, we went back., After believing we would have parking validated for $4 we paid $21!!! Then we drove the 7 miles to the starting line. REPAID for parking and almost missed the race. When I got there to check in, there was NO direction as a volunteer... it was literally, "last name...shirt size?" and off I went. I then bounced around and ended up at the finish line and took the initiative to hand out water, towels, milk, etc. For such a big race, there were NO staff to be found to ask what I was to do? I personally organize small events in my town and my volunteers know EXACTLY what they are to do before, during, and after. In talking to other volunteers, we were there to help and felt "useless" (exact words of another volunteer). Not that volunteering should be being bossed around, but guidance of some sort would have been nice. I called and texted the volunteer contact number I had and no answer. I did receive a text back the DAY AFTER the event saying sorry for "the miscommunication in the volunteer guide. That was for a previous race" and an apology for taking so long to reply and she had hoped my friend and I made it in time. We did and it all was good, however I am not sure I will participate in any capacity next year. Which is a shame.

Gave 3.00 hours on 07/24/2014