Baylor Bearathon 2018HOTARC members provided our radio communications skills to support the Baylor Student Foundation as they held their annual BEARATHON. This year's event was held on March 24, 2018, starting at 8 AM, with race support lasting until 12 PM, with the Start/Finish Line at McLane Stadium. The half-marathon course, and shorter 6k course, give over 2000 runners from across the state opportunity to test their stamina, support the Baylor Student Foundation, and even compete for some cash prizes, as they run from McLane Stadium, through the Baylor campus, along the banks of Lake Brazos, into the scenic roads of Cameron Park—and back. (Note: The route is slightly different than last year.) 
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Our radio-communication positions are usually near each rest stop. Texas springtime weather can be unpredictable for this event, but the event sponsors were determined to hold the event hot or cold, rain or shine—except for reports of lightning in the area.Official maps were available at the Baylor Student Foundation web site using MapMyRun that showed mile markers, 3D video track, satellite view, zoom views, etc. The course was blocked off by Waco Police, so we had to arrive early (7 AM for most positions) at our assigned locations, parking on a side street or nearby lot. We politely introduce ourselves to the rest stop crew as Radio Communications Support from HOTARC—available if they need anything "communicated." For this event, we used the BARC repeater: 147.16 MHz (tone 123). NOTE: Transmitting from under the trees deep within Cameron Park, required more than a 2W handheld radio with stock antenna—like a better HT antenna, or use of the higher power and better antenna of our mobile rigs. In addition to 147.16, our radio were programmed with backup frequencies: our 145.15 repeater (tone 123) and simplex 147.55. By race day we were all given station locations or other assignments, and other late-breaking announcements. HOTARC's efforts were organized and coordinated by Clint Anderson AE5CA. Thanks to the many HOTARC volunteers who took up positions (and in some cases, relocated to cover more than one position!) throughout the course.
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