Every year a group of LSU Athletic Training Students
volunteer at the Louisiana Marathon.
This year we had over 20 students from our curriculum program helping to provide
medical coverage to those participants in the marathon. Dr. Ray Castle served
his second term as the Medical Coordinator for the marathon. One of our third year students, Derek Carter,
also served as the Medical Coordinator Intern this year. Derek’s responsibilities included: assisting
in developing the medical protocols for the marathon, planning the volunteer assignments, race-day
coordination of on-course medical care, and other duties related to the health and well-being of the participants. When asked about his experience
with the marathon, Derek told us, “Working with the Louisiana Marathon
organizing committee helped me gain the knowledge and skills necessary to work
with multiple agencies at the local, state, and federal level along with
private entities. It is truly amazing the
planning that goes into a citywide event and the cooperation of everyone. The event taught me management and planning
skills that I will be able to use throughout my career. The experience left me with a new perspective
on large scale event planning.” The marathon this year had over 90 volunteers
that worked throughout the weekend to provide care to over 300 runners.
The program is extremely proud of Dr. Castle, Derek, and the
other students that volunteered their time to help those running. They gained invaluable experience and
represented LSU Athletic Training well.
