Many amateur radio operators are familiar with supporting large public events such as marathons. But smaller races can benefit just as much from experienced communications volunteers. A local 10K or 10-mile race may require only a handful of operators and a simple communications plan, yet still provide meaningful opportunities to improve participant safety and event coordination.

The Mightyssippi 10-Mile is a new event built around an established race brand and a scenic course along the Mississippi River south of Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota. The route winds through an extensive trail and park system, minimizing interaction with busy streets while offering runners beautiful river views.

This race came to us through Don Burgess, KCØQNA, who has long supported similar events in southwestern Minnesota. After seeing the value amateur radio added there, race organizers wanted to bring that same level of communications support to the Twin Cities.

Our involvement actually began the previous year at the Elm Creek Half Marathon. A request for communications support circulated informally, and our team volunteered to help. Using a local repeater and a small group of operators, we provided reliable communications throughout the event. The organizers were pleased with the results, and before long we were invited to support Goldys Run, one of the region’s larger races involving several thousand participants along with medical and public safety partners.

For the Mightyssippi 10 Mile, organizers clearly defined the mission and matched expectations to the available volunteer resources. Rather than attempting to cover the entire course, five radio operators were assigned to locations where complicated trail intersections or limited access could present challenges for runners or emergency responders.

Communications were handled through the W8WRR D-STAR repeater in downtown St. Paul. While the repeater was recently upgraded for dual-mode operation, conventional FM was selected for the event and offsite linking was disabled. Because portions of the course were south of downtown and partially shielded by terrain and buildings, verifying radio coverage before race day proved worthwhile.

One lesson carried over from larger events was the importance of accurate location information. Race mile markers and aid station numbers are meaningful to race officials but have little value to a 911 dispatcher. The Race Director prepared detailed assignment sheets that identified each operator’s location using nearby street mapping, photos and recognizable landmarks. This simple step would greatly simplify directing emergency responders if needed.

In the weeks leading up to the event, our team also assisted organizers in developing communications and medical plans. Drawing on Incident Command System (ICS) concepts, we drafted documents such as the ICS-205 Communications Plan and ICS-206 Medical Plan, identifying key contacts, medical resources, transportation assets, and aid stations.

While life-threatening emergencies always require calling 911, many minor incidents simply need to be coordinated with race medical personnel. Amateur radio provides a fast, reliable way to connect field volunteers with medical resources while maintaining situational awareness across the course.

Before the race began, I visited my assignment to become familiar with nearby aid stations, access points, and surrounding streets. Volunteers were already busy setting up the course. As I spoke with aid station personnel, I pointed out the closest street intersections and emphasized that those locations—not race mile markers—would be the information emergency dispatchers needed.

Like many running events, a few participants still managed to miss turns despite extensive signage. At my location, cones, arrows, and course signs clearly marked the route, yet I still found myself standing near an incorrect trail entrance to redirect runners before they wandered off course.

As temperatures climbed later in the morning, radio traffic increased. One runner was reported being assisted by fellow participants and appeared to require medical attention. Communications personnel quickly coordinated with race medical staff, and a medical cart was dispatched. At the finish line, an amateur radio operator who was also a former EMT prepared for the patient’s arrival. Ultimately, the situation required a 911 response, and race organizers had wisely staged an ambulance nearby.

Despite the modest size of the event, the communications plan performed exactly as intended. There was no formal Net Control Station. Instead, experienced operators coordinated informally over the repeater as conditions required. Communications remained clear, coverage was reliable, and information flowed smoothly throughout the race.

Perhaps the most gratifying feedback came after the finish. Organizers specifically thanked the amateur radio team not only for providing communications, but also for helping develop their communications and medical planning documents. They appreciated the structure and professionalism that these ICS-based tools brought to the event.

As we continue supporting community races, we are finding that our value extends well beyond passing radio traffic. By sharing proven emergency management practices, we help organizers improve coordination, strengthen safety, and build events that can grow successfully in the future.

The best measure of success came only a few days later: the organizers called again. Three more races are already on the calendar. --Erik Westgard, NY9D ny9d@arrl.net, ASEC–Events, ARRL Minnesota Section