[W1SMH] Fw: 2003 BAA Half Marathon

Fri, 12 Sep 2003 18:39:08 -0400

Bob, WA1IDA, sent this to me, so I am passing it along.  Please remember to
respond to him, as he is the main contact.

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Bob Salow" <[email protected]>
To: "Bob Salow" <[email protected]>
Sent: Thursday, September 11, 2003 9:27 PM
Subject: 2003 BAA Half Marathon

> A Half Marathon, But A Whole Load of Fun
>
> It was so good for the past two years that the BAA Half Marathon
> is now in the category of "Third Annual."  The event got huge
> acclaim - largely because of the skills and experience of the
> organizers and support staff (we are definitely a part of that).
> The Half is run almost entirely in Boston (2% in Brookline), with
> local, national and international athletes.
>
> We have been asked again this year to support communications for
> this event doing our usual medical, water and administrative
> tasks.  We definitely need your help.  Time is short.
>
> The Half Marathon will be held on SUNDAY, 12 OCTOBER 2003.  Time
> and other details are below.  The course (as beautiful as you can
> get in Boston) is along the length of the "Emerald Necklace."
> The out-and-back route starts and finishes at Clemente Field in
> the Fenway.  It follows the Riverway, Jamaicaway, and Arborway to
> the Franklin Park Zoo for a turnaround and return on almost the
> same route.  Last year's trial of going through Fenway Park will
> not be used this year.
>
> The weather is likely to be cool and the 13.1-mile course should
> not be a strain on the athletes.  Water and medical stations are
> spaced appropriately.  There are also assignments at several
> hazardous points.  Our duties on the course will be to support
> these locations, but we also serve as observers of the runners,
> spectators and local residents (some of their streets are to be
> closed).  Most stations serve both outbound and inbound runners.
> At Clemente Field, we have a number of fixed and roving medical
> assignments.
>
> If you are assigned to a station on the course, and presuming you
> drive, you are encouraged to go directly to the assigned
> location.  A ham course Supervisor will deliver your identity
> (long sleeve) shirt.  If you are willing to drive directly to
> your station on the course, I will send you a Vehicle Permit for
> display.  Those assigned to course stations must be on site at
> 0715 so the Supervisor can meet you briefly and move on.
>
> Hams assigned to posts at Clemente Field must be present at 0700
> for a briefing.  Keep in mind that parking in the Fenway is
> limited, so allow time to find a space or take the T.
>
> The entire event should be over before 1130, and all roads will
> be (progressively) opened.  This schedule is what is known now.
> Better details later.
>
> The area is T accessible from several directions.  Parking (at
> that hour ) may be possible on local streets, or at the Landmark
> Center (formerly the Sears store) on Park Drive at Brookline Ave.
> I believe there is a charge for the Landmark parking.
>
> Because the entire course is so compact, very few repeaters need
> be used.  Our present plan is to use both 2-meters and 70-cm,
> both bands with CTCSS.
>
> WE NEED YOU TO VOLUNTEER.  As in the past, we are committed to
> reliable, professional performance, and the requirements below
> lead to this goal.  Please note them and sign up quickly.  Each
> ham must have his or her own radio and accessories - no sharing
> of equipment can be permitted during the event.  Each ham must be
> self sufficient for the entire period, as we cannot assure
> partnered assignments.
>
> 1. For the duration of this event you are considered a member of
> the Boston Amateur Radio Club (BARC) and a BAA volunteer.  BARC
> carries a liability insurance policy.
>
> 2. To assist in identification and security, you must wear a
> badge with your name and call sign.  Your volunteer credential
> will be a special long-sleeve shirt provided at the beginning of
> the day.
>
> 3. Our communications support is provided only by licensed
> Amateur Radio operators, Technician class or above.  Be sure to
> have your valid license (or a good photocopy) with you.
>
> 4. Because of the radio traffic congestion, you should have a
> full size antenna (that is, better than a minimal "rubber duck")
> and a battery supply sufficient to run at your maximum power if
> necessary.  While you will mostly listen and rarely transmit, the
> best guide is for 10 hours of battery capability.  The ambient
> noise level may be high, so an inexpensive headset (not just an
> ear plug) is strongly recommended.
>
> 5. To present ourselves as professional and proficient, you must
> be neatly dressed.  The bright orange "Emergency Communications"
> cap is essential for identification.  Local residents and the
> media will be watching.
>
> 6. Expect the media.  If you are interviewed, state that you are
> an Amateur Radio operator, and give only a very brief statement
> about what your assignment is.  Then refer the interviewer to our
> public relations staff (call Net Control for direction).  Please
> do not offer prolonged descriptions of the joys of ham radio.
>
> NOTE:
> More hams are needed.  Please spread the word in your local club
> and to your on-the-air friends!  Anyone interested should contact
> me directly.  We also need you to understand that although we
> must call for more hams, final staffing needs may not match the
> number of ham volunteers.  Therefore, a very small possibility
> exists that we still may not be able to give everyone an
> assignment.
>
> Instead of formal briefings, those who volunteer will receive a
> later email with the assignment, a detailed description of the
> assignment site and other information.
>
> If you can give this event your help, please contact me as soon
> as possible.  We also need to know if your radio has 2-meters
> with CTCSS and if you have the 70-cm band.  If you have any
> questions about participation, do not hesitate to contact me at
> once.
>
> When you reply, please include the following information:
>     Your best email address for last minute information.
>     Can you open an MS Word attachment?
>     Are you planning to drive, and, if assigned on the course,
> would you drive there directly?
>
> If you have already informed me that you are available, please
> reply to this message anyway.
>
> Phone:   508.650.9440
> E-mail:   [email protected]
>
> 73,
> Bob Salow, WA1IDA
>
> � 2003 BARC, WA1IDA - S/030911
>
>