As Radio Amateurs, the very reason for our existence is to provide communications in times of emergencies. Because of this, we are given sections of radio spectrum to perform our work. This spectrum is worth billions of dollars to commercial interests and they would love to obtain any of it. As practice for emergency communications we help with communications for public service events. We always need to reaffirm the need for our frequencies. These events provide us with an opportunity to refine our skills as proficient operators.

2010 City of Pittsburgh Dicks Sporting Goods Marathon was one to remember. There was no shortage of challenges to overcome. First it rained all day long giving the participants a challenge in running. The rain also provided challenges for the radio amateurs covering the race course. Luckily many handheld radios these days are water proof or at least water resistant.

Then came the bomb scare! There was a suspicious package along the course near the finish line. That incident needed the attention of the Pittsburgh bomb squad to render the package safe. There were concerns about moving the medical area to a safe distance, but that was thankfully not needed.

There was one very serious medical condition for a runner in an area along the course where there were no spectators to see him go down. A radio amateur monitoring this stretch the course on bicycle found the runner down. The runner’s condition was critical and he was able to get the paramedics to him in a short time and likely saved his life.

All along the course hams were stationed at mile markers and aid station. Other hams were “shadows” to provide communications to race officials and medical persons. Still other hams provided “Net Control” to control, organize and relay information. Radio amateurs help keep track of dropped out runners, medically transported runners and track safety.

Despite the many issues that cropped up during the event, the Pittsburgh Marathon was once again a success and amateur radio was a substantial part of that success. Many thanks to all the hams that participated and those that organized the operation, job well done!

Enjoy the pictures and we will be doing this again next year!

Last Updated June 7, 2010