THE HAMS

Ultra Runners often find themselves in remote areas far from cell phone service.

This is where the Ham (Amateur Radio) community helps provide the vital communication necessary for Runner and Participant safety.

AC100 Hams have the responsibility to track every Runner from start to finish. Besides emergencies, we also provide communications between aid stations and the Race Directors managing the race. We use a variety of radio communication technologies integrated together to ensure that every Runner is accounted for.

What we have learned from the Ultra Community is that their lives are either:

Running Competitively
Training
Crewing
Volunteering
Family
Work

Your Ham License can be used not only to support your Ultra passion but also for your personal safety as well as others, any time you are out of cell range or during an emergency, such as an earthquake or power outage.

Obtaining an Amateur Radio License

Obtaining an Amateur Radio License is not difficult or overly technical.

Many Hams find that the entry level Technician’s license is all they ever need.
You study the material, which focuses mostly upon proper operation of your radio and FCC rules.

You can also take classes to learn the material in a group setting, taking as little as a weekend.
You then take a registered multiple-choice test administered by Volunteer Examiners and upon passing the test
you receive your new license from the FCC.

Handy Talkies (HTs) are not expensive, thanks to the influx of Asian radios, which are sold for as little as $20 by dealers.

If you want to learn more, or already have your Amateur radio license, please consider volunteering your time to work with the Hams supporting the AC100 and the safety of runners.
You do not have to be a Ham to help. You need only an interest in the safety of the Runners and aid station crews. For more information please visit: https://foothillflyers.org/ham.html