Race Marshal Experience
My Experience Volunteering as a Race Marshal for Scottish Cross Country Mountain Bike Event at Comrie Croft was a fascinating first insight into the world of mountain biking - this sport in Scotland that is enjoying exponential growth in popularity in Scotland.
The SXC Event took place at Comrie Croft on Sunday 1st September 2024
As someone with passion for mountain biking, I have long sought a way to get more involved in the scene. Mountain biking is not only a thrilling sport but also a significant contributor to adventure tourism, with Scotland offering some of the best mountain biking experiences in the world. The racing scene plays a crucial role in its development, as it brings together enthusiasts, professionals, and amateurs alike, while promoting interest in local trails such as Comrie Croft in Perthshire or Tarland Trails in Aberdeenshire. As with everything else in life the only way to learn about this dynamic sport is to gain first hand experience; and what better way to get involved than to marshal at an event?
On Sunday, September 1st, the Scottish Cross Country Series (SXC) hosted its Scottish Championship races, which was my perfect opportunity. This all-day event took place at Comrie Croft. There were several races, covering all abilities and stages, from novices to the elite national championships, with top level racers taking part. Without sufficient volunteers, such events would be impossible to run. I was on the mailing list, so when the call went out, I decided to volunteer.
The Role of a Marshal
As a marshal, I was tasked with a few key responsibilities, including:
Stationing at a Designated Spot: This sounds mundane – and it was! But also essential. Standing at a given spot for two hours while the race was in progress. Armed with two flags – one red and one yellow – I had to be vigilant and prepared to signal any potential hazards to racers as they approached my point. A yellow flag signalled a hazard and that caution was required. A red flag on the other hand meant that the race had to be stopped, and all riders had to dismount.
Maintaining Track Security: Even though the course was clearly taped off, it was my job to ensure that walkers and recreational mountain bikers did not stray onto the track. Despite all the measures taken, I had to politely inform members of the public on several occasions that the path was closed because a race was in progress.
Communication: Effective communication was key to the smooth operation of the event. All messages were relayed through the chief marshal. This ensured that the entire team remained on the same page and that any problems were quickly addressed.
Reflections on the Experience
Volunteering as a marshal not only gave me a closer look at and deeper understanding of just how much work goes on behind the scenes, in order to put on a race like this. For example, I did not know that without the requisite number of marshals a race simply cannot go ahead. Or that race organisers are responsible to a court of law to say that they had said number, and that they had all been briefed regarding their roles. It is not just a formfilling exercise. But besides standing for hours in the same spot, while simultaneously keeping a keen eye on the race and ensuring no-one strayed onto the track, another unwritten ‘task’ for a marshal was to shout encouragement as riders went past.
The camaraderie among all those involved in the day – race organisers, marshals, riders, caterers, family members who had come to watch – gave an insight into just how much of a community spirit exists within the mountain biking world in Scotland.
For someone like me who wants to know more about the mountain biking scene, getting involved as a marshal provided a fantastic first insight into the sport. I came away from the Scottish Cross Country Championship with a wealth of insight and a newfound appreciation for the community that makes these races possible.
Conclusion
Mountain biking in Scotland is more than just a sport; it is an essential part of the adventure tourism sector that draws people from all over the world. Racing is a key element in this, and events like the Scottish Cross Country Series highlight the importance of organization and volunteer support. As I continue to write about mountain biking, I now have a deeper understanding of the sport, not just from a rider's perspective, but from behind the scenes as well.
Finally, I’d like to express my heartfelt thanks to Kate Jackson, the Safeguarding Lead for the event, who organised my place on the marshals’ rota, and who gave me a lift back into Perth at the end of the day, so I could get the bus back to Aberdeen.
