[W1SMH] Fw: A Half Marathon, But A Whole Load of Fun

[bruce alexander]

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Bob Salow - wa1ida at arrl.net" <wa1ida at comcast.net>
To: <wa1ida at arrl.net>
Sent: Thursday, September 13, 2007 3:48 PM
Subject: A Half Marathon, But A Whole Load of Fun


> The ham public service events are winding down for this year, so soon you 
> can relax (except for the "real" disasters).  Here we are at the Seventh 
> Annual BAA Half Marathon.  For the past six years this event received huge 
> acclaim in the athlete's world - 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 more than 5000 local, national and international athletes expected. 
> Proceeds benefit the Jimmy Fund.
>
> Our ham radio team has been asked again to support communications for this 
> event doing our usual medical, water and administrative tasks.  We 
> definitely need your help - and more hams.  Time is short.
>
> The Half Marathon will be held on SUNDAY, 7 OCTOBER 2007.  Time and other 
> details are below.  The course is along the length of the "Emerald 
> Necklace" (as beautiful as you can get in Boston).  The out-and-back route 
> starts and finishes at Clemente Park 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.
>
> 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.  We also have 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 you wish to drive, you 
> may go directly to the assigned location.  I hope to have a ham course 
> Traveler who 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 (as an email attachment in MS Word) for you to print out. 
> Those assigned to course stations must be on site at 0700 so the Traveler 
> can meet you briefly and move on.  The Traveler will call your station as 
> he approaches.  Be ready and go to the Traveler's car or bus for the ID 
> shirt and any last minute information.
>
> If you do not plan to drive to an assigned course station, you must arrive 
> at Clemente Field at 0600.  A parking lot for volunteers only will be 
> located about three blocks away from Clemente.  You will receive an ID 
> shirt and any last minute information.  Before the race begins there will 
> be transportation from Clemente to the course station assignments.
>
> Hams assigned to posts at Clemente Field must be present at 0700 for a 
> briefing and the amenities.  Keep in mind that parking in the Fenway area 
> is limited, so allow a few minutes to use the volunteer parking lot. 
> Although the area is T accessible from several directions, the T may not 
> be running at that hour - see www.mbta.com).  Parking (at that hour) will 
> also be available at the Landmark Center (formerly the Sears store) on 
> Park Drive at Brookline Ave, but there is a charge for the Landmark 
> parking.
>
> 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.
>
> Because the entire course is 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.  Our duties at this event are 
> straight forward and are well suited for hams who have little experience 
> at public service.  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 and your bright 
> orange "Emergency Communications" cap (available for $5.00 - let me know 
> if you need one).
>
> 3.   Our communications support is provided only by licensed Amateur Radio 
> operators, Technician class or above.  Be sure to have a good photocopy of 
> your valid license and a call sign badge with you.
>
> 4.   Because of the terrain and expected 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 a ham 
> 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 
> ASAP.  We also need you to understand that although we must call for more 
> hams now, 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.
>
> As the event date gets closer, instead of formal briefings, those who 
> volunteer will receive an 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.
>
> When you reply, please include the following information:
>    Your best email address for last minute information.
>    Can you open an MS Word email attachment?
>    Are you available to drive, and, if assigned on the course (not 
> assured), would you drive there directly?
>    Your shirt size.
>
> If you have already informed me that you are available, please reply to 
> this message anyway.
>
> 73,
> Bob Salow, WA1IDA
> 508.650.9440  (H)
> 617.650.0062  (Cell)
> wa1ida at arrl.net
>
> © 2007 WA1IDA - S/070904
>
>
>
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