[Alexandria Radio Club Reflector] Remembering the Marine Corps Marathon Today

[Don (KI4D)]

As you know, the 45th Marine Corps Marathon was scheduled to be held today
and was cancelled for the first time in 45 years because of COVID-19.  Were
it not for COVID-19, many of us would be out in the rain today across the
Metro supporting the Marathon with our radios; again, out in the rain as we
were last year.  It is remarkable that the amateur radio community in the
DC/Metro area has supported the Marathon for over 30 years.  This
cancellation is one more big indicator of how much COVID-19 has affected the
amateur radio community this year in our area.

 

Remembering last year, I have enclosed a link to photos I took at the 44th
Marine Corps Marathon; also included are my reflections from last year.
First place was Jordan Tropf finishing the 26.2 miles in 2:27:43.  First
female was Brittany Charboneau finishing in 2:44:47.   I saw more women in
the race this year than ever before.

 

Hope you enjoy good memories and the photos below.  Meanwhile, I am looking
forward to the 46th Marine Corps Marathon next year.  

 

73

Don, KI4D

 

Rainy Start at 44th Marine Corps Marathon - Oct 27, 2019

 <https://photos.app.goo.gl/nVSUFwTdyVD4VrAu8>
https://photos.app.goo.gl/nVSUFwTdyVD4VrAu8

 

Here is some behind-the- scenes info at Waterpoint 12 (WP-12) where I was on
the Pentagon reservation, as I am every year. With the pouring rain, the
start of this marathon was very unusual. As I took refuge in one of the big
starting line tents, one longtime  marathon staffer said she has helped with
the race for 25 years and had never seen rainy weather like that.  At first,
even the runners seemed averse to simply walking out of the dry big tents
into pouring rain to start the race.  At the height of the race, WP-12 is
always full of activity with Marines and volunteers busy handing out cups of
water and gator aide along with a lot of shouts of encouragement.  WP-12 is
located at the 24.9 mile-marker near the end of the race so runners are
mostly exhausted.  Consequently, cheering for the participants with shouts
of encouragement are vital.  To keep runners pumped up this year, there were
loudspeakers blaring with lively music and DJ encouragements similar to an
exercise class.  My main job was to keep an on the health and welfare of the
runners.  I only had to use my radio once this year to call for medical help
for a runner.  The runner collapsed and was semi-incoherent, which was
responded to by Arlington EMS.  The runner was not able to resume the race
and was taken away for more advanced medical care at this late stage of the
race.  I have volunteered for MCM the last 10, and every year I have looked
forward to seeing the Marines and those extraordinary runners.  I also enjoy
reuniting with the same Walmart truck driver who has delivered Walmart
provided free water and gator aide every year.  Only in America!   The
Walmart truck driver has made deliveries to WP12 for the last 14 years and
also enjoys handing out cups of water to runners.  This year I took selfie
for the first time; it was with a Marine Corps Colonel who impressed me to
no end with her mission spirit in leading cleanup. There is no doubt in my
mind she will be a general officer one day.