The annual Dirty 30 running race was held on Friday, June 3, 2022 in Golden Gate Canyon State Park in the foothills to the west of Golden, CO. Colorado ARES R1D5 provided support of the Colorado Auxcomm supported event by providing radio operators in the Rocky Mountain Ham Radio’s communications trailer, several aid stations along the course and support of parking management. The challenging race held in the mountainous area is not only challenging for the runners, but also presents communications challenges. A few heavy rain showers with small hail and lightning also presented challenges in the afternoon.
Colorado ARES R1D5 members Willem (AC0KQ), Hal (KE0KFB) and Kathy (KD0DPX) at Aid Station 1/4. The race starts at 0600, so Willem, Hal and Kathy camped out overnight in order to be ready to go for the early morning start. The red strip along the ground is comprised of antennas for reading RFID tags that the runners wear. The data from the RFID reader was sent via Winlink messages to the communications trailer. Microwave links are also set up that connect all of the aid stations and Windy Peak to the Start/Finish. The RFID tags, as well as camera video feeds and VoIP phones, are all carried on the microwave links. Voice communications were primarily carried out on DMR. It is a challenging multi-day set up!The Rocky Mountain Ham Radio communications trailer at Start/Finish. Colorado ARES R1D5 has provided Auxcomm personnel for many years at this challenging event.
