2024 Hobbler Half Marathon

The Utah County Amateur Radio Emergency Service (UCARES) had the privilege of providing essential communication support for the 2024 Hobbler Half Marathon. This event, has both challenging remote conditions and positions with an easy shot to our repeater system. It offers a perfect opportunity for our team to showcase our capabilities and ensure smooth communication throughout the race.

Overcoming Remote Communication Challenges

One of the significant challenges at the Hobbler Half Marathon is the lack of cell service at the start line. Our dedicated operators bridged this communication gap by facilitating seamless communication between the start line and the event organizers at the finish line. The organizers were elated with the on-time start, a testament to the effectiveness of our communication support.

New Portable Repeater Test

This year, we introduced a new element to our setup - a portable repeater. One of our skilled operators, successfully set up a portable repeater using a Starlink satellite, a generator, and a repeater. This innovative solution was tested in the remote conditions of the marathon and proved to be a great success. The positive results from this test have encouraged us to continue refining this setup for future events.

Our Responsibilities

While ensuring an on-time start was a delightful outcome, our primary responsibility was to facilitate communication. This role is crucial in any event, especially in remote areas where traditional communication methods are unreliable. The success of our portable repeater test further enhances our capability to support such events effectively.

This event also provides a fantastic member training opportunity. We had a first-time event Net Control operator and a couple other New Member on the race route. They did an outstanding job supporting this event. We are grateful for our talented members who perform with such professionalism.

Looking Forward

The 2024 Hobbler Half Marathon was an excellent opportunity for UCARES to test and refine our communication strategies. We are committed to improving our setup and ensuring reliable communication support for future events. Our success in this marathon has set a new benchmark, and we look forward to continuing our service with even greater efficiency.

Thank you to all our operators and the event organizers for making this a successful and memorable event!