RoadRunner Akron Marathon

Amateur Radio Operator Volunteer Signup

September 27, 2008

The route this year is the same as last year. All positions before mile 8 (except the start) have been eliminated. Some new positions have been added. The start is at 7:00 AM and will be done by 1:00 PM for all stations. 

A map of the Full Marathon course can be found here, a map for the Half Marathon course can be found here. Most route and aid stations will have a specified finish time so you won't necessarily have to wait around until the end of the race. The expected first and last runner times is published in the positions list.

You will get a hat and T-Shirt as part of your effort. I have to turn in a general mix of sizes that should cover the needs. This won't be fixed until probably a month before the Marathon but after that time I CANNOT change the mix. I'll base that mix on those who have already signed up and past experience. The only sizes available are: M, L, XL, 2XL, and perhaps a very limited number of 3XL.

The event sponsors REQUIRE that you wear their t-shirt and/or hat. If you can't wear one or the other, no matter the reason, then don't volunteer. This identifies you as a volunteer and the hats in particular identify you as a communications volunteer.

Volunteers who have worked this event last year will have the first chance at positions they held last year until August 16th.

We will meet at North High School parking lot (exit Route 8 at Tallmadge Avenue - at the north east "corner" of this intersection) at 5:30 AM the day of the marathon to get your assignment sheets, hats, and T-shirt. You MUST get there by 6:00 because the person handing out the materials will be leaving to set up the net control station at that time. These materials will also be available at the ARES meeting on September 25th. Other arrangements may also be possible.

Additional information about the race can be found at http://www.akronmarathon.org

Information about road closings can be found here.  http://www.akronmarathon.org/roadclosings.pdf.pdf

Signups are expected to close one week before the event so don't wait until the last minute.
Click HERE for the current summary and list of assigned and available positions.
Description
 Total Needed
Roaming shadows - at the start untill after the race starts and then will move to the finish area. 1
Net control operators - net control at the stadium for one of the two nets 4
Busses - 2 Aid busses and one SAG bus
 3
Aid stations along the route - UHF radio (444.55 repeater) needed 10
Route stations - fixed location along the route 35
Standby - extras to fill in for last-minute unfilled positions
 3


If you have any questions you can send an email to:

or call Dick Kovach, WA8KR, at: 330-929-1038
You can signup online by filling in the form below or by contacting Dick Kovach, WA8KR, at: 330-929-1038
Fill in your name, callsign, email address, and phone number, and T-shirt size to sign up for this event.

If you have some additional comments, such as you would like to work in the same place as last year, please add it to the "Additional Comment" field. Include the mile marker or tactical call when you ask for a particular location.