Volunteers behind miles 8 and mile 9 refueling stations share their story with HOU

Legacy athlete Mahesh Bhat shares his volunteering story alongside fellow Race Crew volunteer leader Angela Jones

Manhattan Life Insurance & SEWA International at the Houston Marathon Weekend of Events

Every January, thousands of volunteers, 7,000 to be exact, come together to support one of Houston’s most iconic events — the Chevron Houston Marathon Weekend of Events. Among the many organizations and individuals lending a hand as members of the official Race Crew of volunteers are Manhattan Life Insurance and SEWA International. These two dedicated groups embody the spirit of teamwork. They rally to support race participants year after year, at miles 8 and 9 along the Aramco Houston Half Marathon and Chevron Houston Marathon racecourses, operating massive refueling stations and passing out water and Gatorade to thousands of participants.

One of the most pivotal volunteer roles during the marathon is working at the refueling stations along the course and one of these volunteers also races yearly! How does he do it? How do any of them do it? First, let Angela Jones share her team’s story.

Meaningful Connection to the Community

For Manhattan Life Insurance, volunteering at the Chevron Houston Marathon is a natural extension of the company’s core values. Angela Jones, a representative of Manhattan Life Insurance, explained the company’s involvement: “Standing by You is our company’s enduring message to clients, so standing by 33,000+ race participants while they tackle one of their life’s biggest accomplishments felt like a perfect way to engage in a team-building volunteerism activity in the community where we work, live, and play.”

This display of support resonates deeply with both the employees of Manhattan Life and the athletes they cheer on. The marathon, after all, is more than just a race—it is a personal challenge for every participant, whether they are seasoned athletes or first-time participants. Having a team of dedicated volunteers standing by them, cheering them on and offering words of encouragement, creates a sense of camaraderie that extends beyond the race itself.

Building Camaraderie Through Volunteerism

The experience of volunteering at the race is one that sticks with many of the participants, not just for the athletes, but the volunteers themselves walk away forever changed after race day.

Volunteerism at the Chevron Houston Marathon brings together employees from all areas of the organization. From senior leaders to staff members in different departments—such as Manhattan Life’s general counsel and mailroom staff—everyone plays a part. Jones recalls from her past 3 years as a volunteer, “It’s the coldest day of the year, every race day, and somehow I’m warmed from the inside out when I’m out there.” The impact of her team on the community and the impact that this community event has on her team is something she carries with her all year.

SEWA International’s Impact

In addition to Manhattan Life Insurance, SEWA International, a global non-profit organization dedicated to humanitarian service, has been another key volunteer group at the marathon. SEWA’s commitment to service aligns perfectly with the mission of the Houston Marathon Committee and the races they produce. Volunteers are integral in ensuring a stronger, more resilient community.

With over 100 individuals from SEWA participating in the race weekend, the organization’s volunteers are seen at various points along the course, from providing aid at the hydration stations to helping with race-day logistics. Much like Manhattan Life, SEWA International’s volunteers are united by a shared purpose—to support others, contribute to the community, and promote health and wellness.

Volunteering Together: A Community Effort

Mahesh Bhat, a SEWA International representative and 10-year Aramco Houston Half Marathon “Legacy Athlete” asserts that, “The future of Houston, and the world are a large part of why SEWA International brings 140 volunteers out on race day. We volunteer to inspire the next generation. Junior high and high school students from across the city join us alongside their families and when these young people see race participants of varying age and ability levels race past them, they are transformed by the idea of what is possible. What is possible when you set your mind to a goal and have a community behind you.”

Mahesh not only brings a group of volunteers back year after year to help, but he also races every year! 2025 will mark his 11th year racing, one of those races was the Chevron Houston Marathon, and the other nine, plus this January 19th, 2025, race will have all been the Aramco Houston Half Marathon. He is an inspiration as an athlete, a professional, and dedicated volunteer leader here in Houston.

Will you join the 7,000 Strong Race Crew?

Both Manhattan Life Insurance and SEWA International represent just two of the many organizations that make the Houston Marathon Weekend of Events a success. As volunteers, they not only assist with logistics but also embody the spirit of the event itself—a celebration of perseverance, teamwork, and community.

Whether it is cheering on race participants, distributing water, or helping with post-race cleanup, the Race Crew of volunteers could use you! You will receive perks like an official Race Crew shirt, a virtual goodie bag of deals to redeem across Houston, secure free parking, Astros tickets, and more! Check out the 7,000 different positions and shifts here: https://www.chevronhoustonmarathon.com/volunteers/

 

“On the coldest day of the year, I’m warmed from the inside out.”

– Angela Jones, Race Crew volunteer