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Plattsburgh, NY Volume XIIVLX, 6th edition April 28, 2007 |
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SPECTATORS GUIDE TO THE PATCH SPRINT |
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With the rapid rise of the Patch Sprint - the annual adventure race held each Memorial Day weekend in Willsboro, NY - has come the influx of hordes of spectators jockeying to find the best spot in which to view the epic event.
The 2007 edition of the Patch Sprint is scheduled to take place Saturday, May 26, and fans are expected to travel far and wide to witness the well-trained athletes racing, trekking and kinder-sprinting their way along the course.
To assist the gallery in selecting the optimum place in which to watch the race unfold, we again present this updated version of a spectators guide, complete with expert ratings. |
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Crowds and media flocking along the course in 2005 to witness pack midway through the race. |
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THE START: Located at the pillars at the entrance to the Camp Pok-O-Moonshine driveway, activity lasts throughout the morning, with three starts (8:00, 9:00. 10:00), and all the runners and trekkers passing by at the course’s midway point.
Everyone is encouraged to wish the competitors a bon voyage!
Bonus- Most convenient place to view every participant.
Rating: * * * * 1/2 |
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THE 1812 HOMESTEAD: Another spot where the racers appear twice, the Homestead is traditionally the place along the course where the pack begins to thin out as athletes are jockeying for position. As some racers choose to stop briefly at the aid station located here, lucky spectators will get a close-up view and perhaps even an autograph.
Bonus- Opportunity to pet sheep, do some basket weaving
, and groove to the Boston Boys.
Rating: * * * * * |
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MT. POK-O-MOONSHINE: This is where the Patch Sprint concludes for every division. An informal party is held each year, hosted by the members of Blue Boar Hell Hockey. You will find a panoramic view of the entire Patch Sprint course and get to witness the unofficial presentation of the trophies.
Bonus- The chance to see sore, tired, lactic acid-deprived runners grunt, sweat and possibly puke.
Rating: * * * * * |
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THE BARE SPOT: This is another place where you may see the athletes pass by twice. The bare spot is located very early on the course, so the racers and trekkers are still filled with optimism. If you plan to watch from here, you need to set out well in advance of the start of the race.
Bonus- An incredible view of Long Pond; Excellent photo ops.
Rating: * * * |
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THE BACK SIDE OF SUGARLOAF MOUNTAIN: You may find it extremely difficult to access this spot, but the reward comes in seeing runners and trekkers stumble, fall, get gouged by branches and find themselves hopelessly lost.
Bonus- The chance to see wildlife and to experience a bit of the adventure race feeling of the participants.
Rating: * ˝ |
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REBER, NY: Located six miles from Willsboro, this tiny farming community with the palindromic name has twice in the past been the quitting point for racers who had strayed far off-course. Maybe 2007 will serve up another misplaced hiker.
Bonus- In case of rain, there are many barns to duck into for cover.
Rating: * |
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THE BASE OF POK-O: The final aid station is located here, where racers and trekkers fuel up for the final push. This is also the starting point for the “Kinder-Sprint” for racers aged ten and under (11:00am). For those not wishing to climb to the finish line, this is your final chance to see the racing.
Bonus- The opportunity to cheer on the kids, and assess if competitive racers have anything left in the tank.
Rating: * * *1/2 |
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ALONG THE COURSE: A quick check of the race course map will reveal several spots where the racing will be fierce and the view spectacular. Pick your spot and inquire at the start as to what time the participants will be passing by.
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Admission to the race is free and spectators are not required to register. However, if you would like to attend the evening post-race party, or buy a limited edition Patch Sprint T-shirt, it is advised that you register as a "Friend" in advance (preferably by May 5) to insure availability. |
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See other BREAKING NEWS
Go to Patch Sprint HOME PAGE |
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