You are the cheering section, packhorse, navigator of bad roads, and provider of all information for the runner with "ultra brain." You will spend an inordinate amount of time dashing to places in order to wait. However, you will be inspired by the determination of the runners and the comradarie of the runner / crew teams. Your runners will DEFINITELY appreciate your support in achieving their goals. Caution: Crewing one year often leads to running the next!
What to pack Chairs, card table (if space), blankets, towels, food for yourself, paper towels, trash bags, camera, directions/maps/info, extra warm clothes, first aid for runners (anti-chaffing bar [get at sports store; far better than Vaseline], Band-Aids, ace bandages, advil), TP, reading material, pillow, blankets (maybe your runner would like to take a nap) banner with runners' names.
Food for race day It is imperative that you bring food for breakfast and during the day [There is no place to buy food near the race course and it is difficult to find a good place open in morning.].
Before the start Familiarize yourself with the contents of each RUN BAG. Have your runner give you a tour through their bag, explaining what they expect to need when.
When you reach the pit crew stop At each station you will unload your (for instance) chairs, RR Team Banner/Poster, food, table, first aid, and all bags labeled "RUN BAG."
Set up somewhere near the trail- your runner will not go anywhere more than a couple feet out of the way. It is usually best to wait for your runner at a spot BEFORE the aid station since your runner will not pass through the aid station to look for you. If you set up your stuff after the aid station, just wait by the trail and let him/her know.
Arrange all your stuff so you can access it quickly, familiarize yourself with the aid station- where the supplies are, what's available, etc.
Wait and cheer for other runners. Help other RR crew as needed.
When your runner arrives Don't expect him/her to be able to do anything or think clearly. 1. Scream encouragements loudly. 2. Refill his/her water bottle and offer cups of liquid. 3. Offer food- don't be offended if they refuse-ask again. 4. Assess further needs: change of clothes, first aid, massage. 5. TELL THEM WHEN YOU WILL SEE THEM NEXT before they leave. They will focus on this piece of information like their life depends on it. Be there. 6. Repack everything (you will have used about 10% of what you unpacked) and hustle off to the next station. Repeat.
Synchronizing If your runners become so spread out that you risk missing the fastest one if you wait for the last one, transfer one of the runner's bags to another next crew (both bags in case the runner needs to pull out).