Rock and Roll Marathon
by Teri KC5BJI
Rock and Roll Hoochie Koo (Where is Rick Derringer when you need him?)
We came to the San Antonio Marathon in 1995 through Walt DuBose (K5YFW), who was our contact person out at Kelly AFB to Sam Idrogo, chairman of the organizing committee. Since then we have been providing communications support for both operations and logistics, and, thanks to you, bestowed the designation of one of its co-sponsors.
{Photo of Greg KD5VBG setting up for net control during the 2006 SA Marathon down in the bowels of the Alamo Dome – taken by Lee N5NTG}
And 13 years later we’re right back where we started. Kind of …
November 16, 2008 will be our first time to work with a new group,Elite Racing, Inc., this year’s organizer. You can find more info onRock `n Roll Marathons by going to http://www.RNRSA.
Dittos:
- To help put everybody in their Comfort Zone radio-wise, we will again be happy to arrange seasoned ops to work side-by-side with less experienced operators. We can also accommodate those of you who need to work a shorter shift by placing you at one of the earlier mile markers.
- Wheelchairs will start at 7:25 AM, marathoners and ½-marathoners start at 7:30 AM. We all need to be at our assigned locations (mile markers) by 6:30 AM for a communications check first.
- Spouses, family members and/or friends are always encouraged to join in.
- As always, keep an eye on runners (and their numbers, if possible) who may exhibit signs of distress.
Major changes:
- We’ll have LOTS more runners! Organizers flew to town and as of an Oct. 21st meeting, we’re sold out; the race has been capped off with 30,000 marathoners and ½-marathoners signed up!!! Our impression is that this is one of the nation’s largest foot races.
- The radio operators’ primary task is to start Official Clocks Timers at each of our assigned mile markers when the Gun goes off at the Start Line (which will be broadcast on the Net), allowing runners to pace themselves along the entire course.
- We will need to pick up the Clocks at the Alamodome (Lot C) on Friday morning, 14 Nov. (Time yet to be determined.) This will allow us to avoid the mass of people picking up their race packets and attending the Expo later that day, as well as allow us to go directly to our assigned locations from our homes the morning of the race. Each timer has instructions attached to it and a Special Event
- Notification brochure containing road closures, special access notes and a map will be available for your convenience, as well as an Official Vehicle Pass.
- Alternate arrangements can and will be made to accommodate the bulk of those who cannot pick up the clocks on Fri. morning at a place and time of your choosing.
- We are attempting to have the clocks picked up at the same time that the sweep vehicles are picking up the mile marker signs. We’re then free to secure our stations.
- As of the 10/21 meeting, Elite Racing has a better understanding of what we can do and are now asking for eight (8) additional Sag Wagon operators, with sag wagons if you have them. If not, no problem, they’ll rent them. Sags will be positioned at medical aid stations strategically located throughout the course. Ambulances will transport actual medical needs patients, as opposed to sags handling tired runners, etc., and operators will be given a special phone number list to keep marathon medical emergencies out of our 911 system.
- The Start Line is at Lion’s Field in Brackenridge Park, the Finish Line is at the Alamodome. The course closes at 3:45 PM.
- 70 live bands and 40 cheer teams will be stationed along the course. It would be prudent to have an earphone if you plan to operate outside your vehicle, just in case a band happens to be near your station.
- Each Race Crew Volunteer Receives: A Race Crew T-Shirt, FREE Ticket to Post-race Headliner Concert ($25 value), Race Goodie Bag, and the Satisfaction of Helping Others. (Available when you pick up your clock and vehicle pass.)
- The Alamodome doors open at 6:30 PM for the inaugural post-race headliner 80’s British rock legends, The Cult.
We need you to put your best foot forward, step up to the plate, and demonstrate to Elite Racing and the thousands of runners coming into the Alamo City just what we can do. (It’s possible we could also be helping other ham radio communities in other cities.)
To volunteer contact Teri Thomas (KC5BJI) by calling 680-6841 or via e-mail wa3pay-kc5bji@sbcglobal.net.
NEED YOUR SHIRT SIZE(S) ASAP. Let’s be there when we are needed and just show `em our stuff!We KNOW how to do this! THANKS!!
Course map -http://www.rnrsa.
