Marshalton Triathlon 2023

I was out yesterday with my local ARES-RACES group providing communications support for the Marshalton Triathlon, here in Chester County, Pennsylvania. This popular event combines cycling, canoeing, and fast walking. I always look forward to volunteering for this event each year.

Once again, I was at the end of the 2.3-mile canoeing segment, known as “Canoe Out.” This is my favorite assignment and one that I request each year. The folks working at this location help the participants out of their canoes and retrieve the canoes for transport back to the starting point. I was situated on a bridge with a superb view of the Brandywine River. Compared to the rainy weather we had last year, the weather this year was just about perfect for this time of year. 

  • A selfie taken from my vantage point on the bridge during the Marshalton Triathlon
    A selfie taken from my vantage point on the bridge during the Marshalton Triathlon
  • Canoeists waiting to exit their canoes
    Canoeists waiting to exit their canoes
  • The boat handlers getting a load of canoes ready to go back upriver. They use a system of rollers to help move the canoes up from the river.
    The boat handlers getting a load of canoes ready to go back upriver. They use a system of rollers to help move the canoes up from the river.
  • My truck parked on the bridge across the Brandywine River
    My truck parked on the bridge across the Brandywine River

From a communications standpoint, this event is pretty simple. An HT was the only equipment I needed. Most of my communications involved coordinating with the folks at the “Canoe In” location upriver, letting them know when a load of canoes was headed back to them.  

I didn’t hear of any serious incidents on the course, so that’s good news. There was a report of an overturned canoe, but the participants were able to get back in their boat and continue downriver. 

This is our group’s last public service event for the year. We’ll be back out on the Brandywine River in the Spring supporting the Northbrook Canoe Challenge.

73, Craig WB3GCK

2 thoughts on “Marshalton Triathlon 2023”

  1. Hey, I’ve been doing the City to Shore MS event for almost a decade and have done other triathlons such as Make-a-Wish (Bethany Beach, DE). If you want to put me on your call list for future events in E. PA, please di so.

    K3RTA

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