On Sunday, SPARC provided safety and radio support to the 5K/10K races.
The day before the races, Marty, NV3H, emailed:
It�s tomorrow! So make sure your radios are charged.
* We will again try to use the Dulles repeater, though we�re told it has moved farther from Herndon. Make sure you can configure your radio to operate 145.31- PL77 (receiving on 145.31 and transmitting on 144.71 with a subaudible tone of 77 Hz) and 144.71 simplex.
* Instead of shadowing the timers we will be there for safety - wearing vests, keeping runners on course and reporting any runners that need help.
* It calls for rain, so bring a poncho or umbrella and also sunscreen or a hat in case they are wrong. :-/
I do not believe they will cancel due to weather, but I�ve asked how they would notify us if they do. I�ll let you know if there is a cancellation plan as soon as they tell me.
We will get our position assignments, decide whether to use the repeater, and determine whether we run a net or less formal communications when we meet at 6:15 in the side parking lot of the Herndon Community Center. If you have any questions please feel free to email or call me; unless you hear otherwise I will see you Sunday morning!
The day of the races, the GROUP assembled.
Mary, KK4HMX; John, KK4AHY; Bill, WF1L; Jim, KN4FAF; Chaz, KK4TNO; Duane, K4UW; James, KN4BHG; and Marty, NV3H.
After the races, Marty, NV3H, emailed:
... everyone powered through the disorganization and rain and did what we came to do with no complaints.
And Marty, NV3H, also emailed:
Mary, John, Bill, Jim, Chaz, Duane, James -
Thank you all for supporting yesterday�s Herndon Festival 5K and 10K races yesterday! It�s impressive enough you set an early alarm on a Sunday, but to also stand in the pouring rain for hours displays dedication that boosts the visibility and reputation of SPARC and amateur radio. I also appreciate your putting up with my disorganization, radio problems, and example of how NOT to run a net. :-)
Marty
