The Neil Munday Breky Show with guests came live from Reigate`s Priory Park for the inaugural Run Reigate Half Marathon 2014.
The broadcasting team consisted of Neil Munday anchoring in our outside broadcast unit known as the “Goldfish Bowl” and looking after the engineering on the ground. Out on the event site in various locations with radio microphones and talkback were Susy Radio presenters Mark Tickner, Dave King and David Jay. Production support at the Goldfish Bowl was by Susy Presenters Bill Hanan, Henry Mack with guest Kiren Sonatun looking at how Susy worked within the community! In the Susy Studio in Merstham was Susy Engineer Jude Reynolds who monitored the broadcast.
Due to the extremely early start of 0530 for getting the site ready, the Susy engineers set up the outside broadcast on the Saturday afternoon and Neil opted to live in the park acting as equipment security overnight alongside the site security which was brilliant. There was camping camaraderie between various stall holders who set up and opted to stay the night leading to a state of early readiness as the first athletes arrived around 0730. Bacon Butties on the go and served by top Reigate celebrity chef Tony Tobin to the hundreds of volunteers from a BBQ at 0700 was amazing.
The broadcast from the park went very well with many people just willing to speak and conveying the atmosphere of the inaugural half marathon. Interviews with many runners and supporters live and pre-recorded interviews added to bring the whole context together for the 3 hours of the broadcast. Interviews included the mayor of Reigate and Banstead and Miss United Kingdom who flew in by helicopter to run the half marathon. Mark Tickner also interviewed the Race Director and Co-Director of Run Reigate David Kelly who was astounded by the turnout.
The broadcast was followed by competitions at the Susy Roadshow with Mums and Dads, winning prizes for the younger members of the family.
However after we went off air at 11am we learnt of the passing of a young athlete taking part in the half marathon. The news devastated us and the race organisers. The Susy team would like to add our condolences to the family and friends of the young athlete.
Here is a montage of highlights from the 3 hour broadcast.
