Organizers of Ironman 70.3 Coeur d’Alene are gearing up for this year’s event, which takes place Sunday, June 24.

Nearly 2,000 volunteers are needed to make it a success.

There are more than 100 opportunities to help, ranging from the coveted role of body marking and sunscreen application to removing timing chips from participants’ ankles at the finish line. While most jobs happen on Sunday during the race, some volunteer work is done as early as Thursday, like preparing athlete kits and swag bags for racers.

Most positions require nothing more than time and willingness, and some are voluntary professional services such as massage therapy, physical therapy and medical support.

No matter the capacity a volunteer serves in, to the Ironman athletes, volunteers are not only the driving force that makes the event possible, but often emotional support and encouragement that factor into the athletes’ success.

“I have heard some incredible stories about athletes who have pretty much given up during the race and a volunteer encouraged and inspired them,” said Dani Zibell-Wolfe, volunteer director. “We’ve all heard and read why we should volunteer, but Ironman races bring that out in spades.”

Organizers also ask experienced motorcyclists to fill the roles of transporting race officials and video and still photographers around the bike course.

Water support for the swim is needed, and those with their own personal watercraft (canoes, kayaks, jet skis, boats or SUPs) can register to safely support racers on the swim course and assist media or rescue personnel as needed.

Other duties include bike check in and out, crowd control, finish line athlete catchers, information kiosk, lost and found, lifeguards, registration, water passers, wetsuit peelers, and food service for athletes.

Some areas are open to having help by volunteers under the age of 18. All minors must be registered by a parent or guardian, and certain service stations require them to be accompanied by a parent volunteer.

Several stations are manned by local nonprofits and clubs, including several sports teams from area high schools. These community fund groups are eligible to receive grants from the IRONMAN Foundation, which has awarded nearly a million dollars each year since it began in 2003.

•••

To see a full list of volunteer opportunities or to register: ironman.volunteerlocal.com/volunteer/?id=25832

Questions can be directed to Volunteer Director Dani Zibell-Wolfe: cda@ironmanvolunteers.com