[CC-ARES-RACES] USMC Marathon AAR

[Paul M. Tackish]

To all: In the way of an After Action Report (AAR), I just wanted to =
recap the fun that I and Rob Hoyt N2OMC had yesterday. On October 27, =
2002, Rob and I helped out by providing communications support for the =
USMC Marathon. It was an early day as a few of you might have heard us =
chatting on the repeater at 5:00 a.m. We got a cup of coffee and =
gathered at the parking lot opposite the Navy Annex, near the Pentagon.

We checked in along with a large group of amateurs, grabbed our stuff =
and deployed to our assigned locations. We were assigned to the Union =
Station position this year. As many of you know, that is a very busy =
place. Runners, pedestrians, and vehicular traffic in the area made =
things a little busy. It was nice that fresh coffee and other facilities =
were available so close.  The Marines and Capitol Police really hooked =
us up, so we were happy. We had visitors from all over the globe come by =
and ask us questions.

The briefing sheet indicated that 21,000 runners had registered for this =
event. It seemed to be more once the event got underway. The event, from =
our perspective, was well coordinated. A few medical emergencies kept =
the ambulances, paramedics and docs busy, but other than that and a few =
other coordination issues, things went very well. The weather turned a =
little cool by noon, then the sun came back out and things were very =
nice. I think we were given permission to secure our post at around 2:30 =
p.m. or so. Just a minor traffic backup on Rt.295 and we were home by =
3:00 p.m. If you have never signed up to participate in this event, you =
might want to consider it. It is an excellent way to keep your skills =
up. Hats off to the amateurs that coordinated and participated in this =
event. It was well planned.

I hope to see you all at the club meeting on Friday. Have a great =
week!!!!!!!!

73,

Mike KA3GRW