Race day starts early

Volunteer amateur radio operators turned out Sunday, March 15, to assist the local ARES (Amateur Radio Emergency Service) group in providing radio coverage for the annual Big  Island International Marathon. Folks from around the world partipated in several events and the local hams kept marathon officials, aid stations, checkpoints and start/finish coordinators connected and updated on various conditions ranging from runners needing medical assistance to the last-minute crisis when beverage cups ran out as weary marathoners reached the last few stations on their 26.2-mile trek. Participating hams reported a fun time and a good learning experience, as well as a way to kokua the community. Next year's event will be on Sunday, March 20. For more info, visit http://hilomarathon.org. For info on ARES, visit and/or contact area coordinator Kim Fendt, WH6KIM, at kd0qlr@gmail.com.

Photos by Grace Haight, KF5AHW