There are faces behind every successful race.
Just ask Cassi Knutson, volunteer coordinator for Saturday's Fargo Marathon.
While her husband, race executive director Mark Knutson, received compliment after compliment, both said volunteers were essential in making everything work.
On Saturday, the work by more than 1,000 volunteers came together for the second annual marathon, which drew more than double the runners from 2005.
"Without the volunteers, we wouldn't have the race," Cassi Knutson said. "We're so lucky they come forward."
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Inside the Fargodome, along the course and at race-related events, volunteers donated time as medical assistants, traffic controllers and massage therapists.
They also registered runners, stuffed race packets and served food.
"We've put in a lot of work and its fun to see it all come together," said Sonya Drechsel, a registered nurse who coordinated medical aid.
Volunteers spruced up aid stations along the course, including a "Margaritaville" tent and the "Troll Bridge," and handed water to runners.
After runners crossed the finish line in the Fargodome, volunteers gave marathoners water and stocked tables with bagels, bananas, apples, doughnuts and smoothies.
Marilyn Laliberte, a race committee member overseeing the youth run, commended volunteers working the marathon.
"It's great to see the community come together for something so positive," she said.
Maxine Fagerland of Fargo braved the blustery weather as a traffic controller, first in south Fargo and later along the marathon route on Broadway.
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The excitement of the marathon prompted her to donate her time.
"I live vicariously through the runners," Fagerland said. "I get a kick out of their energy. They work so hard."
Race organizers credit volunteers with their energy, too.
"There are so many behind the scenes things (done by volunteers)," Mark Knutson said. "We're in a community of great people."
Readers can reach Forum reporter Steven P. Wagner at (701) 241-5542
