On Sunday the 29th of September members of Forest of Dean Motor Club and friends operated communications for the Rotary Clubs, Forest of Dean Half Marathon.
This involved using the radio system as used on motorsport events.
This was a new experience for myself and my son in law.
The race was all under the control of the Rotary Club who had their volunteers marshalling and setting out the course.
The usual club representative Grantley cleaver was on a holiday cruise and in true to style, Grantley had provided all the pre-event information, locations etc.
We arrived at the Speech House end of Spruce Drive at 8.15 to have our radios fitted, set up and tested by Graham Goode. The radio controller was Roger Byard ably assisted by Nic Biddle.
We then drove through the forest to our given radio positions on the route.
Following a radio check we then awaited the first of the 680 runners.
Many were not local, having travelled from the Midlands, South Wales and neighbouring counties.
Our first job entailed calling control to give the competition number and time of the first male and female runner. We then in due course notified the time of the course closing car
As I was positioned at a split in the course the runners passed my radio point twice to enable the 13 miles to be achieved so I then repeated the same procedure for the second passing.
Fortunately, the weather was kind and the experience was enjoyable. The fastest person completed the course 1hr 12 mins 04 secs.
A good team effort from the club supporting a worthy cause!
Report by Rob Baldwin
