On Monday, April 15, 2024, ham radio operators provided communications for the 128th running of the Boston Marathon. More than 280 radio amateurs participated in the event.

The marathon is one of the largest events for which hams provide communications support.

Sisay Lemma wins the 128th Boston Marathon with a time of 2:16:17. Hundreds of radio amateurs volunteered to provide communications for the historic race. [BAA Courtesy Photo]

It drew volunteers from many different places. “Operators are volunteering across Start, Course, Finish, Transportation, and various operations centers, including the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) Unified Command Center (UCC) and the Boston Athletic Association (BAA) Race Operations Center (ROC) in Boston. They are performing communications duties that include logistics support as a primary function, and backup support for medical and other public safety requests for the race as needed,” wrote District Emergency Coordinator for the ARRL Eastern Massachusetts Section Rob Macedo, KD1CY.

Amateur radio operators serving in the Unified Command Center (UCC) for the 128th running of the Boston Marathon. [Section Manager of the ARRL Rhode Island Section Nancy Austin, KC1NEK, photo]

Amateur radio operator volunteers supported the BAA, the American Red Cross, and other agencies surrounding the event, according to Macedo.

By N4POD

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