Mini trampoline and sweets earn man volunteering award
29/06/2010 Jumping on a mini trampoline and handing out sweets to marathon runners has netted one man in the US a volunteer of the year award.
John Herbertz was presented with the accolade by the organisers of Grandma's Marathon, an annual event held in Deluth, Minnesota in the US. The event will be celebrating its 35th year in summer 2011.
Each year during the event Mr Herbertz can be found at the 18-mile point, providing entertainment to those which are close to giving up.
Since starting to volunteer in 1995, he has donned various costumes, including Santa Claus, Shrek and a penguin.
One of his most famous entertainment acts was when he dressed as the Jolly Rancher and handed out sweets to passing runners while jumping on a mini trampoline.
"I go for laughs because I know at mile 18, most runners don't have much to laugh about. It's definitely a hard part in the race," Mr Herbertz said.
John Herbertz was presented with the accolade by the organisers of Grandma's Marathon, an annual event held in Deluth, Minnesota in the US. The event will be celebrating its 35th year in summer 2011.
Each year during the event Mr Herbertz can be found at the 18-mile point, providing entertainment to those which are close to giving up.
Since starting to volunteer in 1995, he has donned various costumes, including Santa Claus, Shrek and a penguin.
One of his most famous entertainment acts was when he dressed as the Jolly Rancher and handed out sweets to passing runners while jumping on a mini trampoline.
"I go for laughs because I know at mile 18, most runners don't have much to laugh about. It's definitely a hard part in the race," Mr Herbertz said.
