There can be other unexpected benefits, also. DH just did the Florida Ironman and I volunteered in the women's change tent. The night before the race, they announced that they would have a special line for volunteers at the sign ups for next year. All you had to do was wear your t-shirt. The regular line was huge and I believe it sold out in 7 minutes on line. I have no interest in the Ironman distance, but I thought that was a pretty cool idea. The folks at IM are trying a few things differently this year with sign ups. It will be interesting to see what changes they make permanent.
BTW-I loved working in the change tent. I have done other jobs at races, but that was my fave!