Volunteer and Have Some Fun
Tracking the runners
A job for amateur radio communication
(Note new information at bottom of page, and be sure to see Finish Line Home as well as the Announcments page for timely things)
Well, you've probably read or know about the race. Maybe you’ve even
seen photos. But what about "behind the scenes"? What makes this race run
so well and be a success? VOLUNTEERS !
Each Checkpoint,
and the Finish Line, along the 100 Mile Course of the race is staffed
with volunteers. The volunteers include Race Support Personnel to
provide needed refreshments and nourishment to the runners, Medical
Personnel to assess the physical and mental condition of the runners
and provide aid if necessary and Communications Personnel to track
the runners from one checkpoint to the next.
At the heart of the communications are Amateur Radio Operators who provide
voice communications between the Checkpoints, the Finish Line, and the Radio
Communications leaders. The radio operators monitor the time each runner
leaves a checkpoint and arrives at the next checkpoint. If a runner is overdue,
the radio operators notify the race checkpoint leader so Medical Aid or
Search and Rescue personnel can be notified as needed. The radio operators
also use data communications to provide a near real-time database of each
runner’s
location at any given time. This is all done with portable equipment and
battery power.
You don’t have to be a licensed Radio Operator to volunteer. Anyone
interested in a fun and rewarding adventure in the outdoors is invited to
join. We can always use new people. The “Hams
& Checkpoints”
link will tell you a little about each Checkpoint, such as the hours it is
staffed and where it is located. There may even be some photos of the checkpoints
to give you a better idea.
If you’re interested in learning more, click on the “Email
Ham Radio Coordinator” link
to the left and let us know. We’re looking forward to hearing from
you. Thanks.
New 2008: Steve Woo, KE6ONT, put together an outline for presenting at radio
clubs. It's available for you here in either Word or PDF format.
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