Radios Behind Where’s Waldo

August 12, 2008 · Filed Under Articles, Races & Events

· Photo by Chris Pietsch/The Register-Guard ·

Interesting article on The Register Guard. We all know how many people work behind the scenes to set up a race – doesn’t matter what kind of sport - but sometimes there are even more volunteers than you would expect. The Where’s Waldo 100K has a group of unlikely volunteers who will be tracking the runners. Two different local groups of amateur radio operators will be covering the communications through the entire race, that is 62.5 miles of mountain trails and helping crews and race organizers tracking the runners and also acting as a security net in an emergency situation.

Talking about Where’s Waldo 100K, the race will take place this Saturday 16th in the Oregon Cascades (70 miles southeast of Eugene, Oregon) starting at 5am or 3am for those expecting to run for more than 16 hours. The competition is a 100K loop-type course at an elevation or 5120’ and with mostly single-track trails. 130 athletes will run and try to take home any of the awards and money prizes (up to $1000 for athletes who meet the USA Championship eligibility criteria)