Be Part of the Ultra Community: Volunteer With Us in 2026

You don't have to run 100 miles to be part of something extraordinary.

When most people think about ultramarathons, they imagine the runners: pushing through fatigue and discovering what they're capable of when they refuse to quit. And yes, the runners are incredible. But here's what many people don't realize: behind every successful ultra finish is an army of volunteers who made it possible!

The finish line crew who celebrate every single person who crosses, whether they've been out there for 12 hours or 47. The food team making sure that every runner receives the nourishment they need. The aid station workers who try their best to share heartfelt encouragement to get someone moving again.

That could be you.

Creating the Sparks Backyard Ultra and Biggest Little Ultra Headquarters Vibe

Our race director, Todd Leigh, puts it perfectly: "We want the race headquarters to be festive and happy." This isn't your typical serious, sterile race environment. We're talking tropical shirts, upbeat energy, and genuine encouragement for every single participant.

Your real job as a volunteer? Create a welcoming and encouraging environment for runners and walkers, many of whom have never taken on a challenge like this before. Ultra-distance running and walking is challenging: [hysically, mentally, and emotionally. That's where you come in.

As Todd explains: "Our job is to tell the runners how good they look and how well they are doing." Simple? Yes. Powerful? Absolutely. At mile 60, when someone is questioning everything, your encouragement might be exactly what keeps them moving.

You'll Witness Transformation (And Be Part of It)

Here's something special about ultra volunteering: you don't just watch people run. You help save their race.

When a runner wants to drop out, volunteers step in. You guide them to a chair or cot. You offer food and drink. You remind them why they started. And with enough rest and sustenance, they recover. They get back out there. They finish.

Todd has experienced this firsthand: "I have been on the receiving end of this kindness and support more than once and it works to get people back in the race and enable them to achieve their goals."

You get to be that person. The one who believed in someone when they stopped believing in themselves. The one who helped them reach a goal they thought was slipping away.

What You'll Actually Do

We need volunteers for various roles, and there's truly something for everyone:

Food Service Volunteers

You'll be part of the team keeping runners fueled throughout their journey. This role comes with responsibility. We follow strict County Health Department guidelines to ensure food safety. You'll learn what foods runners crave at different stages, and you'll be supervised by our food services lead who knows exactly how to handle everything properly.

Finish Line Crew

This is where the magic happens. Your jobs include:

• Being upbeat and encouraging (the most important job!)

• Keeping water jugs and ice chests full

• Helping with trash disposal

• Checking course markings and signage

• Handling awards

• Shopping for critical supplies if needed

• Basically anything that needs attention

You're the last face many runners see before they cross the finish line, and the first face they see after. You will play a role in making sure everything runs smoothly on the beautiful Sparks Marina loop. Fair warning: finish line volunteering is highly emotional in the best possible way.

No Experience? No Problem.

Never volunteered at an ultra before? Todd has a message for you: "You are in for a real treat. I can guarantee you, like the athletes, you will find this experience rewarding and something you will remember for a long time."

Many of our volunteers are veterans who return year after year. But everyone starts somewhere, and we'll teach you everything you need to know. All you need to bring is a positive attitude and a willingness to support others.

The Community You'll Join

Ultra volunteering attracts a special kind of person. People who value encouragement over competition. People who find joy in helping others succeed. People who understand that sometimes the most important role isn't crossing the finish line yourself, it's helping someone else get there.

You'll work alongside experienced ultra volunteers who know the drill and are happy to show you the ropes. You'll meet runners from all over the country (and sometimes the world) who chose our race for their challenge. You'll become part of a community that looks out for each other, on the course and off.

And here's something that happens more often than you'd think: after witnessing the power of the ultra community, many volunteers eventually become runners and walkers themselves. After seeing what's possible, after experiencing the support and joy firsthand, they think "maybe I could do that too."

Two Chances to Volunteer in 2026

Sparks Backyard Ultra: June 2026. The innovative "last one standing" format creates an incredibly dynamic volunteer experience. You'll watch strategy unfold in real-time as runners decide whether to go out for one more loop. The tension builds with each hour. The community support intensifies. It's unlike any other race format, and volunteering here means you're part of something truly unique.

Biggest Little Ultra: October 2026. With multiple distance and timed options, you'll see runners tackling everything from their first ultra to attempting 100 miles or even 48-hour challenges. The variety of goals and experiences makes every interaction different and interesting. Some runners will be done in 12 hours. Others will still be going strong a day and a half later. You get to support them all.

Both races are held at the Sparks Marina, a beautiful venue that's easy to access and provides excellent facilities for volunteers.

What You Get (Besides Incredible Memories)

We take care of our volunteers because we know the race wouldn't happen without you:

• Event hoodie - "Just a small token of our appreciation," as Todd says, and perfect for cooler evening weather

• Food and beverages during your shift - You'll be well-fed while you feed the runners

• Training and support - We'll teach you everything you need to know

• The best seat in the house - Watch human achievement unfold in real-time

• A community - Join a group of people who share your values

• An experience you'll never forget - We promise

  
  

Shifts vary in length, so you can commit to a few hours or the entire race weekend. Many volunteers do a shift, rest, and come back for more because the energy is addictive.

Ready to Join Us?

You don't need to be a runner to be part of the ultra community. You just need to care about helping others achieve something extraordinary.

Visit BiggestLittleUltra.com to learn more about the races, and if you would like to join our volunteer interest list, sign up as a volunteer for the June Backyard Ultra or October Biggest Little Ultra.

Come for the tropical shirts and festive atmosphere. Stay for the moments when you help someone accomplish something they thought was impossible.

As Todd puts it, we're creating a "world class event." And you can be part of making that happen.

The ultra community is waiting for you. See you at the Sparks Marina in 2026.

Sign up to volunteer at BiggestLittleUltra.com