LOOKING FOR VOLUNTEERS FREE LODGING…. FREE PARTY….

2004 VOLUNTEERS- Sarah Disney (left) supervising aid stations; Mike Gast (center) takes a break before cooking for the party; Cecilia Disney and Isa Kreigskotte (right) carrying supplies up Pok-O-Moonshine.

Willsboro, Feb. 15--  One month into the formal entry period for the 2005 Patch Sprint, registration is brisk.  “Our numbers are ahead of all previous years,” said race founder Greg Henderson, “and by all accounts, we will easily top last year’s total of 70 participants.”  So far, race entries have been received from open competitors, masters, trekkers and Clydesdales.     However, one category where early registration is lacking is that of volunteers.  “Right now, I’m the only one!” stated race director Sandra Solomon, with a sense of urgency.  “To run an efficient event, we need at least eight to ten volunteers; 15 would be optimum.”     Required volunteer positions include:  photographers and videographers; aid station attendants; timers, starters; party planners; sherpas; registration; general chores and assistant to the race director.

“All volunteers will receive free admission into both the pre-race dinner, and the post-race party, awards ceremony and slide show,” Solomon said.  “Plus, for a select handful of volunteers who contact me directly, you will get a free T-shirt.  That’s a total savings of $15!”     Race co-chairman Tim Singer touched on the true advantage of volunteering.  “You get to enjoy all of the benefits of the Patch Sprint weekend – parties, hiking, and camaraderie – without having to sweat and struggle over a grueling 12-mile course.”     Prospective volunteers may register online.  If you are interested in having a “choice” volunteer position, you may contact Solomon at sandysolomon5@hotmail.com.

Race timer Kate Moss (l) and head photographer Tricia Woodward (r)

MASTER BUNK     Long-time Patch Sprint trekker Ed Bunk has switched divisions for 2005 and will be entered in the men’s masters category.  In 2004, Bunk amazed fellow racers and spectators alike with his race-walking style that resulted in a time of  three hours, 15 minutes.  “Let’s face facts,” stated Bunk, “I’m a competitive guy and looking over last year’s times, I concluded that I could have won a medal as a master.  Furthermore, I’m tired of having that guy Phil drafting behind me all the way to the finish line!” BUNK (center) may need assistance if he plans to compete for medal

BIG BEN     Two-time Patch Sprint runner-up Ben Stanley has also made a switch for 2005, jumping from Open Male to Clydesdale.  Stanley, spotted at a recent New Year’s party is reported to be tipping the scales at over 225.  “I still may be able to get under 200 by race day,” said Stanley (pictured right during his "lean" days).  “It depends on whether or not I stop at the New Baltimore rest area on my way up to camp.”

PATCH BRIEFS: As of February 15, over $400 in registration donations have been pledged for the Adirondack Scholarship Foundation….... Over half of the registrants have also pledged their time on Sunday of race weekend to assist with the camp work project…... Three-time defending race champion Jim Kobak is recovering from various injuries to his groin and hamstring, giving hope to other competitors that this could be the year.  However, Kobak states that his recovery is going well and that he’ll be ready to fight off any challenges come May...... Bob Heins, the oldest participant to ever complete the Patch Sprint, is also on the mend, recovering from severe frostbite received while summiting Vinson Massif, the highest mountain in Antarctica.  Heins, 64, who has also climbed the highest peaks in Europe and Africa, is expected to be well in time for the Patch Sprint.

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