Volunteer Q&A
Janet Fischlein

Janet Fischlein of Succasunna, NJ, has run more than 100 NYRR races and volunteered at others. Here, she talks about how her whole family got involved and the reasons she volunteers.
 
How long have you been an NYRR volunteer?
My husband, Drew, and I started volunteering in 1988 when we became members. We started as marshals at the New York City Marathon, and we've moved more recently to help out at the family reunion near the finish line. Our son, Ryan, joined us as a volunteer a few years ago. We do the marathon, but we've also helped out with other races.
 
What made you start volunteering?
It's just a matter of giving back. I've finished the ING New York City Marathon twice. When you're a runner, you see the volunteers and realize how much work they do, and you want to repay them. I get so much out of being a volunteer—the runners thanking me, hugging me at the finish line. I can relate to them because I've done what they've done. I get very emotional about it because it's such a great feeling of giving back.
 
You come to races from your home in New Jersey?
Yes, Succasunna is 50 miles from the city. I used to make it to even more races, but my son is 17 now, and he runs cross country and track for Roxbury High School, so we go to all of his meets. He started running when he was young at kids' races in Central Park. It's a family thing for us.
 
What advice would you give to people who have never volunteered, but may be thinking about it?
It's a great way to get outdoors and make friends. It's good for older people too because it’s a wonderful way to meet people, get out of the house, and get out of your routine. You may say, "I would never volunteer," but once you do it, you're hooked. You feel the warmth and the appreciation that the runners give back to you. I always try to make it a point, when I'm running a race, to tell the volunteers, "Thank you for being out here on a cold winter day or a hot summer day!"
 
If you could design a T-shirt for NYRR volunteers, what would it say?
"Just get out there and do it!"