The 2026 MDI Marathon and Half-Marathon went off without a hitch on Sunday, October 18. As a destination race, known for its beautiful yet very challenging course, over 2,000 runners from around the world made their way around Mt. Desert Island. A quick search of the MDI Marathon website and local news will give you all the stories of triumph, persistence, and celebrations. The runners are truly inspiring! That said, this is a story about the Communications Team who worked behind the scenes with other volunteer groups and various local and state agencies to create the best experience for the runners.
Led by Barbara KC1SSY and Joan W1DLC, the team included members of the Ellsworth Amateur Wireless Association, Hancock County ARES, Hancock County EMA, Waldo County Amateur Wireless Association, Waldo County ARES, Waldo County EMA, Pine State Amateur Wireless Club, Penobscot County ARES, and Penobscot County EMA.
Members of the Comms Team arrived on their assigned sites as the sun was rising and temperatures were below freezing. Many needed to set-up power sources (batteries, generators, solar panels), connect their radios, multiple antennas, and test their systems. Before the race began, there were check-ins to the Net Control and final tweaks. For most of the radio operators, this is an 8-10 hour event.
The primary task of each station was to radio in the bib numbers of the first three male and female runners in both the full and half marathons, and runners who injured or decided to leave the race. Stations also reported the last few runners as the race time drew to a close. In the down times, operators were among the many spectators cheering and encouraging the racers. Responsible for their own needs, operators also took advantage of down times for snacks.
There were 10 assigned stations along the course, with other members in cars checking on runners and Comms Teams throughout the day. Olin KC1IRK rode in the lead car for the marathon, and once the winners passed the finish line, he rode in the vehicle checking on the last runners. Tracey AC1UN rode in the lead vehicle for the half marathon.
This was the first year for yours truly, Marion W1GRL, to work at a station along the route. The precision of the Net Control system, with operators following a standard protocol, was impressive. Honestly, I expected to witness the professionalism of the operators. There were two things I didn’t expect. I found it tricky to accurately read bib numbers as runners are galloping by, particularly if the top runners were bunched together. The second unexpected item was the sincere gratitude of the runners! So many runners said, “Thank you,” and “Thanks for being here.” They appreciated seeing someone ‘official’ confirming they were on the course track. It was fun to be on the course, with all the friends and family members cheering for their runners. Seeing the struggle and gratitude of the runners made it a personally inspiring experience.
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 and her Assistant, Joan W1DLC. They attended numerous meetings, gave a presentation for those involved at the last EAWA club meeting, coordinated ordering and distributing T-shirts, and followed up with various groups and agencies working on different aspects of the event. THANK YOU BARBARA and JOAN! 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 in an emergency situation. The MDI Marathon, along with the annual Field Day in June, are the two primary large scale exercises for EAWA members and friends. Thanks to everyone who gave up their Sunday, shared their equipment and expertise, encouraged the runners, and performed tasks with precision. We were a great team!
Written by Marion W1GRL, Photos by Joan W1DLC & Barbara KC1SSY
