Operators Needed!
March 27 – April 3, 2026
Supporting a 300-Mile Foot Race from Globe to Patagonia
The Arizona Monster 300 returns March 27 through April 3, 2026, challenging runners to complete a 300-mile continuous foot race in Arizona’s back-country from Globe to Patagonia, Arizona, crossing some of the most remote, rugged, and unforgiving terrain in the state.
This is a serious commitment—and for the right operators, one of the most challenging and rewarding radio service roles you can volunteer for.
About the Arizona Monster 300
The Arizona Monster 300 is a week-long, point-to-point endurance foot race held March 27 – April 3, 2026, covering approximately 300 miles of Arizona backcountry. Runners move continuously, day and night, through isolated terrain where radio communications are often the only reliable link for coordination, tracking, and safety.
This Is Not Your Typical Radio Event
The Arizona Monster 300 is one of the more demanding radio service opportunities available. It is also, for many operators, one of the most meaningful. Many operators take time off work to support the challenge.
Operators should expect:
- Extended assignments in extremely remote areas
- Little to no cellular coverage
- Long shifts, including overnight hours
- Challenging terrain and rapidly changing weather
- Operating from vehicles or field positions, often with limited nearby support
- A need to be self-sufficient for extended periods
This is not a comfort-oriented or “easy” public service event. It requires preparation, resilience, and sound judgment, but offers real-world experience that few events can match.
Who’s Needed for Communications
Operators who are prepared for austere conditions and understand the responsibilities involved are needed!
Requirements & Preferences
- Amateur Radio license (required)
- GMRS license (desirable, but not required)
- Comfortable operating independently in remote environments
- Ability to follow race communications procedures and direction
- Good situational awareness and decision-making skills
Prior experience with endurance events, backcountry operations, emergency communications, or off-road environments is helpful – preparation and reliability are more important than experience alone.
Workload at most aide stations follows a surge pattern; workload is slow to pick up, rapidly picks up to a heavy and sustained level, and then levels off towards the end of the shift. Coordinating the logistical needs of medical personnel and aide station captains with race coordinators is a key task.
Minimum Equipment & Preparedness Expectations
Operators should plan to be largely self-sufficient for the duration of their assigned shift.
Radio & Power
- Reliable mobile or portable radio(s) appropriate for assigned bands
- External antenna suitable for vehicle or field use
- Sufficient power for the entire shift
(vehicle power, batteries, solar, or other appropriate solutions) - Recommended to make life easy: cross-band capable mobile radio to enable easy HT operation nearby.
Vehicle & Navigation
- Reliable vehicle suitable for remote and unimproved roads
- Full fuel tank at shift start
- GPS/navigation capability, including offline maps or paper backups
Personal & Safety Gear
- Meals will be provided by the aide stations, bring:
- Sleep system (sleeping back, large backseat, etc. – needed for many shifts)
- Supplementary snacks
- Weather-appropriate clothing (hot days, cold nights)
- Lighting for night operations (headlamp/flashlight with spare batteries)
- First-aid kit
- Personal medications and necessities
General Preparedness
- Ability to remain on-station for extended periods
- Understanding that assistance may be delayed due to location
- Willingness to operate independently and responsibly
If you are unsure whether your equipment or experience is sufficient, please ask before committing.
Schedule & Availability
The event runs March 27 through April 3, 2026, but volunteers are not expected to commit to the full duration. Even limited availability is valuable.
⚠️ Overnight shifts are especially important and the hardest to staff. Operators willing to support late-night and early-morning coverage are strongly encouraged to volunteer.
Shifts are shortest as the start of the race, and longest towards the end as the runners naturally spread out
Why Volunteer?
- Support an extreme endurance event spanning 300 miles of Arizona backcountry
- Play a direct role in runner safety and coordination
- Gain experience far beyond typical public service events
- Take part in a challenging mission that is genuinely rewarding
Interested and Prepared?
If you are licensed, capable, and understand the demands of this type of deployment – and are willing to help even for a single shift – please do the following:
- Review the course map to get an understanding of the aide station locations: Arizona Monster 300 Official Race Map – CalTopo
- Register to volunteer with Destination Trail at their website: Volunteer — Destination Trail
- Follow up with an email to Todd Voigts (tvemc.sar@gmail.com), the race coordinator. If you are a member of the SWCRS (not required!), please CC David Adriaanse (wqvs960@swcrs.org).
Include:
- Your callsign
- Licenses held (Amateur / GMRS)
- Availability (days, evenings, overnight)
- Geographical restrictions (if you need to stay near certain locations, for example)
- Relevant experience (optional)
The Arizona Monster 300 – March 27 to April 3, 2026 – is one of the most challenging radio service roles you can sign on for, but also one of the most rewarding. Thank you for helping ensure reliable communications where they matter most.