“Leadership is not about being in charge. It is about taking care of those in your charge.”
-Simon Sinek
The Georgia Jewel exists because of volunteers.
Every mile, every aid station, every finish-line moment is made possible by people who choose to give their time, energy, and care to support runners moving through a long and demanding day. This race isn't built by spectators. It's built by participants of a different kind...those who show up before dawn, stay through the heat and dark, and make the trail feel human.
Volunteering at the Georgia Jewel isn't about standing on the sidelines. It's about becoming part of the race itself.
Our volunteers serve in many roles: guiding runners through remote sections of trail, managing aid stations, prepping food, tracking progress, and offering the kind of encouragement that only comes from someone who understands effort. Many of our aid station captains are ultrarunners themselves. They know what the course asks of people, and they care deeply about helping others meet that challenge.
We believe great races are built on trust.
Runners trust our volunteers to help them make good decisions when fatigue sets in. Volunteers trust runners to respect the trail and each other. And we trust our volunteers with responsibility, not just tasks. You'll be given meaningful work, clear direction, and the freedom to care for runners in the way that feels natural to you.
Whether this is your first time volunteering or your tenth year returning, you're part of something shared. Long hours at an aid station become conversations. Simple acts like refilling bottles, offering soup, helping someone sit down, become moments runners remember long after the race is over.
We work hard to take care of the people who take care of our runners. Volunteers get fed, hugged, and fully supported by our race team. More importantly, they're welcomed into a community that values reliability, kindness, and presence. Many of our volunteers return year after year, not because it's easy, but because it feels meaningful.
If you're curious about ultrarunning, this is one of the best ways to see it up close.
If you're already part of the running community, volunteering is a way to give back to the trails and people who have given you so much.
And if you simply enjoy helping others through hard things, you'll fit right in.
The Georgia Jewel is a long day for runners.
It's a long day for volunteers, too.
And it's one we're proud to share.
Join us on the trail. We'd be honored to have you.
Our Crew
The magic of the ultra-running community has always been our ability to unite and inspire one another to do extraordinary things. In 2016, when we took over the Jewel, we knew nothing about race directing except that we wanted a weekend inviting others to experience something we loved with people we love. And fortunately for us, that's what it's become. Below are just a few faces we're honored to call friends.
The Jewel Crew
Tom Bard
Tom was voted most likely to open a Highland Pub where kilts are required for entry. Despite his love of Florida Gator football, he’s a beloved Jewel crew member. Tom is the friend who says 'yes' to anything and makes everything better. He’s a Jewel legend—once making a two-mile trek out of the rock garden with a dislocated hip and broken femur.
Gregory, Margot, Mollie Byerline
*This is our favorite picture ever! This white dog ran almost 20 miles with our runners and finally through the 2023 finish line. She stayed the rest of the day, and Team Byerline decided a vintage family photo shoot appropriately captured the fun absurdity of it.
Gregory is the creative mind behind the Moon Shine Runners Society and the wise sage of the crew. He and his wife know magical parenting secrets that turn out brilliant and kind kids, and his love of dogs (especially his Clementine) knows no bounds. He’s always around to listen, offer the best counsel, and make every human feel seen and valued.
Lauren Goderwis
Lauren has been a part of Team Baker as long as our kids have. She loves animals, people, and great beer. She’s also the friend who, with no prep time, puts on a hydration vest, packs a few snacks, and gets dropped off at Stover aid station in the pouring rain to help a friend make it to the finish line. (True story, ask her about it.) Most importantly, she loves big and that's a Jewel requirement.
Nick Kovar
Nick is a mortgage guru, a loving husband, and an awesome dad. He’s the voice behind the mic and the energy behind the Jewel’s Facebook group. Nick is THE best brand ambassador, Co-Co race director, and the person who gets willed the Jewel if Team Baker ever gets lost running in the woods. Without his passion and energy, the race wouldn’t be possible. But please, never feed him black olives—he’ll melt and turn into acid that’ll eat a giant hole in the earth.
Jessie Sparks
Jessie has been part of the Jewel crew since Team Baker took over in 2016. She’s braved driving into the Stover aid station under a pitch-black Georgia sky, managed food calculations, and run packet pickup...all at once. Jessie has the sharpest operations mind, is decisive, and a trusted thought partner for all things Jewel.
David, Elma, Celia Talbott
Team Talbott is a powerhouse trio. David has fine taste in bourbon and music (he’s partial to The Eagles) and proudly eats a bowl of chili beans before race day without fear. Elma is a fierce advocate for all humans to be seen and valued—and a cancer survivor. Enough said. Celia, their daughter, is pure joy and part of the next generation of Jewel magic.