The Heart of Holkham: A Tribute to Our Outlaw Volunteers

It rained. It poured. And still, they smiled.

Outlaw Half Holkham 2025 was a weekend to remember, not just for the epic racing, but for the people in green T-shirts who brought it all to life. Our volunteers. Our marshals. Our cheerleaders, rain dancers, drink givers, medal huggers and calm voices at the start line.

One athlete summed it up best:
"You are Outlaw Triathlon, and I thank you from the bottom of my heart."

From the moment athletes arrived to the moment they crossed the finish line, emotional, elated, or somewhere in between, the volunteer crew were there. On campsite exits and muddy footpaths. On aid stations and medal stations. On every part of the course, in every kind of weather.

One runner recalled:
"A lady at the campsite exit looked me in the eye and said, 'I believe in you.' On the next lap, she said, 'I still believe, now finish it off!'”
She was gone by the time he left, but those words stuck.

Another athlete shared how one marshal danced in the rain wearing a plastic poncho, handing out drinks with a grin. One remembered being told sincerely, "You're doing amazing," and said it was so genuine they almost believed it. Someone else needed a drink and a kind word at the finish, and got both. Plus a T-shirt and a moment of human kindness they’ll never forget.

There were smiles from teens and cheers from more “mature” volunteers. One racer, proud to be from Sheffield, lit up when another volunteer cheered them on as a fellow Steel City local. Others felt seen, supported, and safe, no matter where they were on the course or how long they’d been out there.

"I've met the most amazing people over the years as a volunteer," said one of our own.  "You guys pulled the short weather straw and still had so much enthusiasm."

That’s what makes Outlaw different. It’s not just the course, the medals, or the records. It’s the people. The ones who turn up, give their time, and pour everything into making the experience unforgettable, even when it’s chucking it down.

To every single volunteer, from all of us: thank you.
You are the heartbeat of Holkham.
You are what makes this family special.