More than 3,000 volunteers will be needed when Ironman Canada makes its Whistler debut on Aug. 25, and organizers will be hosting an info session next week for anyone interested in helping out.

Race director Keats McGonigal said of those 3,000 volunteers, about 100 will be selected as captains to help the event go off without a hitch. No experience with triathlon is required and there are a wide range of roles that will need to be filled in the weeks preceding the race.

One key benefit of volunteering is access to priority registration for the 2014 event. As spots in the race generally sell out several months in advance, volunteering for the 2013 race is one way to ensure you'll be out on course for the following summer's Ironman Canada.

The volunteer meeting is scheduled for Wednesday (Dec. 5) at 7 p.m. at the Whistler Conference Centre. Those attending the session are not obligated to commit to volunteering, so anyone interested is welcome to go and learn more before making a decision.

Volunteer inquiries can be directed to McGonigal at keats.mcgonigal@ironman.com. Visit www.ironman.ca for full event details.