Bob Salow, WA1IDA writes:
With nine years of successful events, the Boston Athletic Association Half Marathon continues as a “Boston Tradition.” Ham radio has established its community value at times like these. We have been asked again to support safety and administrative communications. With a little fine-tuning, including many ideas from hams, the event is expected to be even better than last year.
The park where the start and finish had been located is undergoing a major renovation, so the race starts and finishes at beautiful Franklin Park. Obviously the course must be adjusted. It is for this reason that hams can respond with our personal and communications flexibility. For those who have done this event before, you know the road conditions still call for our best support for the athletes. We need you again, and the Race Director has asked for even more ham help (that’s what happens when we are appreciated).
As this is being written, the new course is still being laid out and qualified to international standards. Much of the original route on the “Emerald Necklace” should be used.
If you are new to ham public service (or don’t have much familiarity with it), this is the way to become familiar without much pressure. For hams, this is an easy introduction and an appreciated community service.
Date: Sunday, 10 October 2010
Ham start: 0600
Ham finish: 0930 to 1130 (depending on location)
Yes, I know it is the day before Columbus Day. The upside is it starts early and ends early, leaving plenty of time to enjoy the long weekend. Your help is greatly needed to continue this as a superb event and to uphold our reputation for dependable support. Our assignments consist of monitoring hazardous and critical locations along the course, and the medical/support stations. As we did in the past, we plan to use a 2-meter repeater and possibly a 70-cm repeater. A hand-held with a good battery and an antenna better than a “rubber duck” is the way to go.
If you can help, please contact the BARC Public Service Office as soon as possible. The assignments and more detail will be sent as soon as they are available. For most assignments, you can go directly to your station. Please send your best email address and a phone number (cell, also). Parking should be available very close to each assignment. Feel free to contact Tom Bertolino, KB1P, to volunteer or if you have any questions at kb1p at arrl dot net or 781.608.6186.
—Thanks, Boston ARC’s “The SPARC” Sept. 2010