Don't know if this is something you want to do?

Maybe you simply want to observe what goes on before you commit to working an event? and we will arrange for you to work with an experienced volunteer to observe and understand what is involved in working a public service event.

Don't have a radio but want to participate?

We have appropriate equipment to provide for your use to participate in an event.

2025 MARC Public Service Events

MARC’s primarily mission at Public Service Events is the safety of the participants, course volunteers, and the public, as well as situational awareness for the race directors and coordination with police and medical personnel.  This is accomplished by operating directed tactical radio nets with volunteer amateur radio operators on the course at key locations, including, for some events, bicycle mobile operators; and, shadowing race directors, police, and medical personnel.  Communication is usually via HT through local repeaters and/or simplex frequencies.  Several events may use cross band repeaters or elevated antennas.

If you are new to ham radio or Public Service Events and want to observe what goes on before you commit to working an event, contact us and we will arrange for you to work with an experienced volunteer to observe and understand what is involved in working a public service event.  If you are interested in trying it but want some instruction and practice before hand, we can arrange that too.  MARC also has appropriate equipment you can use to participate in an event.

MARC will be seeking volunteers to support radio communications for these events. If you would like to help with radio communications, logistics, or planning and administration for any of these events, please send email to . 

MARC Coordinated Events

Pikes Peek 10K Run
Date: Sunday, April 27, 6:30 am - 10:00 am
Location: 10K run from Shady Grove Metro Station to Pike and Rose (Rockville Pike and Rose Ave), Rockville.
 
Riley’s Rumble Half Marathon 
Date:  Sunday, July 27, 6:00 am - 10:15 am
Location: Boyds, MD

Parks Half Marathon  
Date: Sunday, Sep 21, 6:45 am - 10:00 am.  
Location: Shady Grove Metro to and down Rock Creek Trail to Beech Drive and Rockville Pike.

Rockville 10K
Date: Sunday, November 2, 7:00 am – 10:00 am
Location: Rockville, MD

Other Area Events of Interest

Tour de Frederick (Coordinator: Frederick Amateur Radio Club – FARC)
Date: Saturday, June 7
Race: 30 Mile, 60 Mile, and 100 Mile races – Water Stop and SAG Vehicles
Time: varies depending on distance starting at 6:00am
Location: Walkersville, MD (near Frederick)

Takoma Park July 4th Parade 
Date: Thursday, July 4, 6:30 am - 9:30 am

Damascus Days Parade (Coordinator: Damascus Emergency Communications Team - DECT)
Date: Friday, July 11, 5:30 pm – 9:00 pm
Location: Damascus High School 

Celebrate Damascus Day (Coordinator: Damascus Emergency Communications Team - DECT)
Location:  Damascus Volunteer Fire Department
Date: Saturday, July 12, 10 am – 4 pm.

Damascus Crop Walk (Coordinator: Damascus Emergency Communications Team - DECT)
Date:  Sunday October 5, 1:30 pm
Location:  TBD

Marine Corps Marathon (50th MCM) (Coordinator: Marine Corps Marathon Ham Organization)
Date: Sunday, October 26