Ham Information & Requirements
License and Equipment Requirements
Amateur Radio Operators (volunteers) must hold a valid Amateur Radio Operator License.
Amateurs Radio Operators must provide their own multi-band radio equipment packages. Generally, most course assignments require a reliable 2 meter and 70-centimeter FM handheld equipped with accessories to operate in a noisy environment unit with a longer “gain” antenna. Some Shadow Race Official and special vehicle-based race assignments will require 2 meter and 70-centimeter band mobile units plus handheld equipment to operate in a noisy environment. Lead Vehicle assignments require additional APRS equipment.
Amateur Radio Operators have various assignments – Refueling Stations/ Medical and SAG Stop Station assignments along the racecourse, Unified Command Center Public Safety Operations Centers, Race Official Vehicles, Shadow Race Officials on foot, bicycle, or car, Net Control Operator, Vehicle Tracking and Logistics Support, and Office of Emergency Management. SAG vehicles will not be staffed unless an emergency condition requires such operation.
Most course locations can be operated with a higher-powered handheld (5W) with an extended antenna with more gain than the standard “rubber duck” antenna.
In 2024 we may introduce some limited Digital Mobile Radio (DMR) Radio applications into our service mix. Please indicate on the registration form if you have DMR capabilities.
Types of Marathon Assignments
Course Assignment - A volunteer for this position will be stationed along the racecourse at Refueling and Water Stations, Medical Aid Stations, SAG pick up stations, race assistance areas, or critical points along the course.
Net Control Operator/Logging Assignment - A volunteer for this position will be assigned at the George R. Brown Convention Center, the City of Houston Office of Emergency Management, or Harris County Homeland Security and Office of Emergency Management. High proficiency in Net Control Operator skills and emergency handling procedures are essential. Assignment at Agency locations will require FEMA certification/ credentials.
Race Official Shadow Assignment - A volunteer for this position will be assigned to follow key race officials and provide communication facilitation on Amateur Radio and Public Safety P25 or Commercial Radios and act as a personal assistant to the Race Official for the duration of the event. Assignments may be centered on the George R. Brown Convention Center area, in conjunction with the area of a Sector Captain, along important points in the racecourse, or in race vehicles that cover the entire course.
This assignment may require high mobility, significant walking, and perhaps standing for a long time. Some Race Officials even use bicycles to move around so such shadow assignment will require you to ride your bicycle!
Timing and Pace Vehicle Assignment - A volunteer for this position will be assigned to Race Vehicles escorting lead runners and will provide navigation assistance, communications to the Unified Command Center, and coordination among vehicles. Timing, Camera, and Press/ Pace Vehicle operators must have handheld transceivers that can operate on assigned frequencies and provide APRS transmissions used for tracking. These volunteers possess proper handheld and APRS radio equipment for this assignment.
SAG Vehicle Assignment (Under Emergency Conditions Only) – A volunteer for this position will be assigned to SAG Vehicle – either a large bus or 15 passenger van. These volunteers will be asked to operate both Amateur Radio and commercial radio equipment and assist the bus/ van driver to spot participants needing assistance and a ride to a SAG transfer point or medical assistance point. SAG operators must possess proper radio equipment for intended assignment – mobile radio operators, self-contained battery packs, and specially mounted antennas. APRS capable equipment to assist with SAG vehicle tracking is generally required/ highly desirable.