MANCHESTER, Conn. — How does the Manchester Road Race keep up the pace? Part of it is in the hands of the BEARS – a group of Ham Radio operators who lend their time and talents to help keep the Road Race running.
BEARS is an acronym for “Better Emergency Amateur Radio Service” and, this year, there will be 55 BEARs spread across the Manchester Road Race course providing both leading runners information and to help with any issues or emergencies that might occur.
“The most important task is really safety – there’s 12,000 runners and 30,000-plus spectators around the course so any emergency could happen," says Phil Crombie, the coordinator for the BEARS of Manchester. "If a runner trips and falls or if there is a problem with a spectator, then we are able to get those emergency resources to that location.”
This year the BEARS have a new member of the team who they affectionately refer to at the “BEARS Club Cub”. Aiden Karp, a 10-year-old 6th grader from South Windsor will join his grandfather, Jack Robinson at mile marker three of the race.
Aiden earned his HAM Radio license last year.
“I’m honestly just looking forward to helping out,” says Aiden. “I love that it kind of makes you more connected.”
“This is public service and it’s doing something we enjoy,” adds his grandfather.
As for race day, Robinson added, “It’s just watching all the people go by and having a great time, the runners in their costumes, it’s just a party.”
To learn more about the BEARS of Manchester click here.
Jimmy Altman is a reporter at FOX61 News. He can be reached at jaltman@fox61.com. Follow him on Facebook, X and Instagram.
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