Amateur Radio Support for the Marine Corps Marathon
Join our team of licensed amateur radio operators providing critical communications support for one of America's premier marathons.
Volunteer as a Radio OperatorWhat We Do
Amateur Radio Operators (AROs) provide critical communications support throughout the Marine Corps Marathon course, serving as the eyes and ears of race operations across all 26.2 miles. Our operators act as a vital “911” communications service for race officials, medical personnel, and logistics teams by delivering reliable real-time voice communications when rapid coordination matters most.
AROs provide immediate reporting of course conditions, track runners requiring medical assistance, support Aid and Medical Stations with direct communications, and relay important back-channel information to district commanders and race leadership. Operators also provide backup communications capabilities for Medical, the Race Operations Center, and Unified Command to ensure uninterrupted coordination during the event.
Supporting the Marine Corps Marathon requires a fully staffed Amateur Radio team of approximately 150 volunteer operators working together to help keep runners, spectators, and staff safe throughout race weekend.
Who Can Volunteer
FCC License Required
All volunteers must hold a valid FCC amateur radio license (Technician, General, or Extra class). If you're studying for your license, we encourage you to join us once you've passed!
Equipment
While most positions only require a VHF/UHF (144/440 MHz) HT with a good antenna, some positions may require more power, larger antennas, and higher battery capacities. For these locations, portable mobile radios may be required. We'll provide frequency assignments and programming information before race day.
Experience Level
Operators of all experience levels are welcome! Whether you've been a ham for decades or just earned your Technician license, there's a role for you on our team.
New Hams Welcome
First-time volunteers and newly licensed operators receive mentorship and support. We'll pair you with experienced operators and provide pre-race training to ensure you're comfortable with your assignment.
Race-Day Roles
Our operators fill various positions throughout the marathon course and support infrastructure:
Start Line
Coordinate pre-race activities and runner deployment
Finish Line
Support finish area operations and runner services
Course Positions
Monitor key mile markers and intersections
Medical Tents
Relay medical information and emergency response
Liaison
Coordinate with external stakeholders such as EMS and law enforcement
Shadows
Accompany key race officials for direct communication
Net Control
Manage radio traffic and coordinate all operators
Roving
Mobile operators providing flexible support where needed