Be the Reason Kids Succeed

Every racer needs a champion. Every family needs hope. Be both.

JUST TRYAN IT isn’t possible without volunteers like you. When you guide a nervous kid across the pool, cheer them up a hill, or high-five them at the finish line, you’re doing more than supporting a race—you’re showing families facing childhood cancer that their community stands with them.

You don’t need special skills. You just need to show up.

200+ Volunteers power race weekend—and we need you to make it happen

Ways to Get Involved

Volunteer on Race Weekend

This is where the magic happens. You’ll be on the ground making sure every single racer—from the tiniest first-timer to the seasoned veteran—feels safe, supported, and celebrated.

Three volunteer shifts available:

  • Saturday, 8-11:30AM, Set-up
  • Saturday, 12:00-4PM, Packet pick-up
  • Sunday, 6:30-11:30AM, Race Day

No experience necessary. Just bring your enthusiasm and willingness to help. We’ll train you on everything else.

Join the Host Committee

Love connecting with people? Passionate about spreading the word? The Host Committee is the engine that drives awareness and participation in your local community.

What you’ll do: Recruit racers, share JUST TRYAN IT’s story with local schools and organizations, and help build the community of supporters who make these races possible. The Host Committee meets once every other week in the 4 months before the race. However, most of the volunteer time happens on your schedule.

Perfect for: Community connectors, natural networkers, parents, educators, and anyone who wants to make a lasting impact beyond race day.

Interested? Contact our Director of Programs, Deb Povinelli at deb.povinelli@justtryanit.org

Become a Race Captain

Race Captains are the leaders who make race day run smoothly. If you thrive on organization, love coordinating teams, and want to take on a bigger leadership role, this is your opportunity.

What you’ll do:

  • Lead a team of volunteers through setup, race execution, and cleanup
  • Ensure your section of the course runs safely and efficiently
  • Problem-solve on the fly and keep spirits high
  • Be a point person for your volunteer team

Perfect for: Natural leaders, experienced volunteers, project managers, coaches, and anyone who loves bringing people together to accomplish something amazing.

Ready to lead? Contact Deb Povinelli at deb.povinelli@justtryanit.org for more information.

Join a Board Committee

Want to shape the future of JUST TRYAN IT? Our Board of Directors has four standing committees where your professional expertise and passion can drive real organizational impact.

Committees:

  • Programs: Shape the race experience and family support initiatives
  • Development: Drive fundraising strategy and donor engagement
  • Finance: Ensure fiscal health and sustainability
  • Executive: Guide organizational strategy and governance

Bring your skills in nonprofit management, fundraising, finance, marketing, program development, or community organizing to help JUST TRYAN IT grow and thrive.

Contact Maureen Colburn, Executive Director, to learn more about committee opportunities.

Celebrating our Champions

On race day, we celebrate the racers and volunteers who embody the spirit of JUST TRYAN IT—those who go above and beyond, inspire others, and remind us why this work matters.