Long before the running of the 22nd annual MDI Marathon began, members of the EAWA, Pine State Amateur Radio Club, and the Penobscot County ARES were making their way to various assigned stations, assembling power sources (batteries, generators, solar panels), radios and antennas, and testing their systems. Before the race began, there were check-ins to the net control and final tweaks. For the radio operators, this would be a 10-12 hour event.
While there are many published stories about the struggles and celebrations of the runners, this is a story about the planning, preparation, and performance of these dedicated hams and family members, and friends who supported them. The thirty-two member EmComms crew worked together throughout the day to keep up with events along the race route, including the current top three male and female runners in both the full and half marathons, and runners who decided to leave and not complete the race. In the down times, operators were among the many spectators cheering on the hundreds of racers. Responsible for their own needs, operators also took advantage of down times for snacks.
The following is a round up of photos of the 10 stations positioned along the race route. Not featured in the photos are the two hams riding with police in the lead and sweep vehicles, Olin KC1IRK and Greg KC1RID.
The lion’s share of the work, starting months before the race, was done by the Hancock County Emergency Coordinator and EAWA member Barbara KC1SSY. She attended numerous meetings, gave a presentation for those involved at the last EAWA club meeting, and met with various participants working on different aspects of the event, such as mapping the course with the operator stations and working on the forms for recording information at net control. THANK YOU BARBARA! This operation would not be as well planned and professional without your efforts!
So much of what we do as hams, including the fun contests and operating portable in parks, is to hone our skills should we be called upon to help with an emergency. The MDI Marathon, along with the annual Field Day in June, are the two primary large scale exercises for the EAWA and friends. You probably won’t find us mentioned in any of the new stories about the marathon, and that’s how it should be! We blended in seamlessly in the race, and thankfully we weren’t tested with a real emergency. Thanks to everyone who gave up their Sunday, shared their equipment and expertise, and encouraged the runners, and performed with tasks with precision. We were a great team!
Written by Marion W1GRL
W1TU 