Sibling Radio Hams Assist in Road Race

14-year-old Audrey McElroy KM4BUN and her 10-year-old brother Jack KM4ZIA put their amateur radio expertise to good use during the Peachtree Road Race, supporting 60,000 runners in Atlanta.

Audrey and Jack McElroy started their support shift at 3:30 a.m, ready with their ham radios in case something dire unfolds.

The brother and sister from Forsyth County worked as volunteers through the Atlanta Track Club on its communications team for the event. The Atlanta Track Club coordinates the presence of dozens of volunteer amateur radio operators to provide an alternative means of communication in the event of an emergency situation.

This will be the first Peachtree Road Race for the siblings, and their job is simple: observe. Jack, 10, will have his radio at a medical tent near the finish line in Piedmont Park. Audrey, 14, will have hers while she runs the 10-kilometer race.

Everyone’s job there is just to observe,” Audrey said. “and if anything seems abnormal they’ll report it.”

Audrey and Jack have been well-trained. They participate in weekly emergency communication exercises with their dad Tom W4SDR.

Media Story - https://www.forsythnews.com/local/brother-sister-will-use-ham-radio-expertise-during-peachtree-road-race/