Where are the AID stations located?

Aid stations are numbered and should be visible on the maps.  Most reliable way to find them is consult the maps listed on the event web site.  They have been known to move from year to year so don't be surprized if they change.  The latter course positions can be found at:

Aid Station Location	Approx. MP
On Spring Road	14.8
Agnew cutoff	16.75
Lake Farm Road	19
Deer park Overlook	20.5
As you reach the water traveling North on Morris Creek	22
Near Lees Creek	23.5

Whats required to participate in this communications activity?

You only need to be a properly licensed Amateur Radio Operator with privilages in the VHF/UHF bands or fall under the reciprocal licensing agreement if you have a foreign call sign.  You do not need to be a member of ARES/RACES, any ham club, or ARRL.  You're encouraged to report your public service to your favorite amateur radio club or organization for ARRL recognition.

You need a modern 2 meter handheld, equipped with PL and enough battery power to last several hours depending upon your position. 1 1/2 watts minimum.   A higher gain antenna may be required if you're in a marginal location.  A backpackers or other high gain antenna, if elevated, can make a big difference.

How do I tell the difference between the various type runners?

You should only be concerned with the marathon and relay runners.  Note that each class has a unique number sequence.

Category	Bib Description; number range
Full Marathon Runners	Black numbers; 1-550
Half Marathon Runners	Red numbers; 3001-4500
Relay Teams	Black numbers with orange backgrounds; R811-R825
Marathon Walk	Black numbers with pink backgrounds; 6001-6100
10K	Black numbers; 8001-8350
5K	Red numbers; 9001-9250

What are "split" times?

An individual runners elapsed time at a specified milepost. Given in HOURS:MINUTES.  Should be given adjacent to a mile marker so runner knows his position.

Medical issues

The vast majority of medical problems are muscle cramps and related ailments.  Often they may resemble a "charlie horse" type pain and some may have never experienced one before.  Not a pleasant feeling!  The person may or may not be able to move on his own.  The usual guidence is to direct them to the nearest AID station where some comfort can be provided and transportation, if needed.  Massage usually eases the pain but thats not your job.  Notify "finish" of their "bib" number and nature of compliant.  If possible, have them stay with you until you get further instructions  so staff can verify what is the best plan.  They usually recover enough to gain mobility on their own.  These are usually not serious and require no further assistance.  At least one ham station can expect to be approached by someone with this medical condition.  Know where to direct them and how to handle it.  You will look much more professional if you think these out beforehand.

If a serious condition is suggested, call for immediate help on the radio.  A medical team will be ready to help.  Be sure and give "bib" number, nature of problem and your location.  Medical problems of this nature have highest priority.  Also, notify any others in your vicinity that might have medical training.  Stay close to the radio/racer and offer help and comfort but only to the limits of your medical training.  Keep "Finish" informed of status until professional help arrives.  The sports doctor tells us that a race of this nature will average one serious medical condition in about four races.  Statistically, maybe one in 5,000 racers.

What if a runner wants to leave the course?

If you are approached by someone with this request, they should be directed to the nearest AID station which are located about every two miles.  Follow reporting directions above as for minor medical conditions.  Once they get to the AID station, the course marshal will arrange transportation for them.

Too often a runner says he's going to drop out but then decides to return when he/she feels better.  Ask him to notify you if they change their mind because people could be looking for them.

How do I obtain elapsed time information?

Use a stop watch started at the beginning of the race

The amateur at the full marathon "start" should report to our group via radio as the start of the race nears. The last 10 seconds should be with a "keyed down" PTT button so others can hear the countdown from the loud speaker transmitted through the radio. All can then synchronize their stop watches.

How are the racers timed?

Each racer carrys a microchip thats interrogated by an RFID system.  Its part of the timing at the "start" and  "finish"  line. This results in an accurate time for each runner.

Where we can help is giving the racer information while he/she is on the course. As you might imagine knowing how they are doing at, say, the 20 mile mark is useful to them. Many runners have their own stop watch but not all.  It's important to be confident of the "split" numbers you give because you could falsely encourage or discourage a runner if they weren't accurate.

When will racers be passing my milepost?

The fastest racers can do the 26.2 miles in 2 hrs 35 min, the slowest, 6 hrs 35 min. The half marathon runners spread from 1 hr 17 min to 4 hrs+. Average running speed is from 10.2 MPH to 3.3 MPH (moderate walk). Most will be around 6-7 MPH. Just for reference, a 4 minute mile averages 15 MPH. Generally, anyone taking longer than 5 hours may not be clocked. The committee reserves the right to shut down operations after 5 hours as long as remaining participants are not in need of medical help.  The fastest marathons in the world are currently run at about 2 hours flat.

Keep in mind that the high school relay team could outpace the marathon runners and that happened last year for part of the course.

A "sweep" bicycle will be riding behind the last runner-walker.  The radio communicator at each MP is often excused before the "sweep" arrives but be sure and get permission from "finish" before you abandon your station.

Expect the finish line to be closed around 1430 hours. Remember that the half marathon runners start simultaneously at the 13.1 mile mark.

The following table is based upon a 0900 start time. It's an approximation:

Full Marathon,  arrival time

Half Marathon, arrival time

Milepost	Fast ETA, 10.2 MPH	Avg. ETA, 6 MPH	Fast ETA, 10.2 MPH	Avg. ETA, 6 MPH
10	0958	1040
15	1028	1130	0911	0919
20	1100	1220	0941	1009
25	1127	1310	1020	1058

Who does Pre-finish spotting?

Pre-finish spotting is done automatically by an extension of the timing system. As a runner approaches within 1/8th mile of the Finish, the system displays his/her name and hometown on the laptop screen at the announcers booth so they can inform the crowd. Neat!

What do we use for call signs?

Use tactical call signs for frequent communications but be sure and ID periodically per FCC requirements.

Will we have a net control?

Do to the nature of the race, a traditional net control only slows communications.  The finish line station acts as the informal net control and will answer questions, etc.  If you need to talk to another participating station, just call them by tactical call sign.  Please keep conversations short and simple on the primary channel.  If you need to discuss something at greater length, please QSY to the  secondary channel.   98% of the time you should be monitoring the primary frequency.

Use of Crossband repeater (CBR)?

Not used this year.

How should I prepare?

Since most will be on the trail and removed from your vehicle, its suggested you bring rain gear, proper jacket and enough food and drink to tide you over. A lawn chair and something to write on is handy. Rest room facilities and AID stations may not be near you. Don't forget adequate batteries to run your radio for several hours and a stop watch.  Many have found that a "speaker mic" or a "headset with mic" are desireable for events like this. By all means wear club hats, vests or other ID that identifies you as part of communications. Be visible! 

Even if you don't need to be on station at 0900 you should be monitoring the primary channel at that time to start your "stop watch".

A few locations are difficult to hit the repeater so if you have a higher gain antenna over a simple rubber-ducky, bring it along.   Ideally, check out your site beforehand if you can.  Pre-programing the alternate frequencies would be very wise as when you need them, we may have an emergency.  Not a good time to be fumbling around trying to set up your radio. 

This write-up will be maintained right up to race day so if you print it out the night before you should have all the latest information with you.

What do I do when I arrive on site?

First, radio check in with "finish". Once you've located your position, familiarize yourself with surroundings and where the nearest AID station is located?  The AID stations provide medical help such as taping, drinks, and transportation, if needed.  Introduce yourself to race officials, if present.

Photos?

By all means take a few pictures to share, digital preferred.

Do I receive anything for my services?

Yes, a "T" shirt and dinner party late afternoon of  race day.  Location:  Red Lion Hotel, upstairs.  Time: 1700.  Your "T" shirt is your entrance ticket.

Further Questions?

neil@robin-wood.com (WA7NBF)

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To sign up

Sign ups are first come, first served.  No one will be turned away, inexperienced will be teamed up with experienced personnel.

It will be assumed that you have read the above information and understand the role and time required for each position. You also have adequate equipment for the requested position. If you still have further questions, click on email address above before signing up.

Registration for June 3, 2012 Marathon amateur radio participation

Your email address:
Your full name:
Your call?
Enter phone number where we can reach you before the event:
Enter cell phone number if you will have it with you during race:
What position would you like to work? (Leave blank if you wish me to assign):
Tee shirt size? M, L, XL, etc:  (Leave blank if you don't want one)
Enter any other comments you wish to make?

Neil Robin, WA7NBF