Boston Marathon Race Day

Amateur Radio

This group of volunteers are communications specialists and assist in the transfer of both emergency and routine messages during the race. An FCC Amateur Radio license is required to act as an Amateur Radio Volunteer, much like you need a driver's license to operate a motor vehicle. If you are not already licensed and are interested in getting licensed reach out to us at contact hamradioboston.org. There are certain volunteer jobs that do not require (although encourage) an FCC Amateur Radio license. Our service is made effective as it focuses upon the clarity, efficiency and accuracy of the communications links we provide. Volunteers who have public safety communications experience are among those so qualified. Please write contact@hamradioboston.org to see if you qualify.

Please note all shift times and check in locations are subject to change. 
Start
  • Check-in location: TBD
  • Check-in time: 4:15 a.m.
  • Check-out time: 1:00 p.m.
  • The START team is the “First on the Air” Monday morning and plays a key role in setting the tone for the day.
  • This team of approximately 40 volunteers works with many B.A.A. Volunteers and Staff ensure the safe and expedient release of athletes onto the course.
  • Volunteers work in all aspects of the START, from runner transport to their final release onto the course.
Along the Course
  • Check-in locations: TBD
  • Check-in time: Between 5:30 a.m. and 6:30 a.m.
  • Check-out time: Between 2:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.
  • The COURSE team are the “eyes and ears” of the Race Operation Center along the 26.2 miles between Hopkinton and Boston.
  • This team of approximately 100 volunteers are stationed with the Medical Tents and Hydration Stations along the course.
  • This team provides routine status updates, assists with exception handling, and provides an emergency communications avenue to their assigned Medical or Hydration Station captain during the race.
Transportation
  • Check-in location: TBD
  • Check-in time: 6:30 a.m.
  • Check-out time: 6:00 p.m.
  • The TRANSPORTATION team assists runners who drop out of the race at each of the Medical Stations along the route and need to get back to Boston by a means other than their running shoes.
  • This team of approximately 40 volunteers partners with bus drivers and medical teams navigating up and down the course.
  • This is a very unique view of the race that few will ever have and is also the most accessible volunteer role to those who have limited mobility or endurance.
Finish Area
  • Check-in location: Dorothy Quincy Suite - Back Bay Events Center (180 Berkeley St. Boston, MA 02116)
  • Check-in time: 6:30 a.m.
  • Check-out time: 7:00 p.m.
  • The FINISH team “brings it home” welcoming tens of thousands of runners down Boylston Street.
  • This team of approximately 60 volunteers will either partner with a medical “sweep team”, fill a communication role stationed at a key Finish Area location, or act as a Communications Assistant to a race staff member.
  • This team ensures that communication  flowing accurately and efficiently among the medical sweep teams, the numerous medical tents, key Finish Area locations, and the Race Operations Center.
Net Control
  • Check-in location: TBA - Brookline, MA (Not Easily Accessible by Public Transit)
  • Check-in time: 7:00 a.m.
  • Check-out time: 6:00 p.m.
  • The NET CONTROL team is the “nerve center” of  COURSE and TRANSPORTATION Amateur Radio Teams.
  • This team of approximately 30 volunteers conduct numerous directed nets across the wide variety of frequencies used for the Boston Marathon.
  • This team is responsible for passing traffic between radio operators, other network control centers, public safety partners, and the Race Operations Center.
Net Control (Finish Area)
  • Check-in location: Dorothy Quincy Suite - Back Bay Events Center (180 Berkeley St. Boston, MA 02116)
  • Check-in time: 6:30 a.m.
  • Check-out time: 7:00 p.m.
  • The NET CONTROL (FINISH) team is the “nerve center” of  FINISH Amateur Radio Team.
  • This team of approximately 20 volunteers conduct numerous directed nets across the wide variety of frequencies used for the Boston Marathon.
  • This team is responsible for passing traffic between radio operators, other network control centers, public safety partners, and the Race Operations Center.