SOLOMON QUITS AS RACE DIRECTOR “… sick of working while everyone has fun!”

Maynard, MA, April 15--   Long time Patch Sprint race director Sandy Solomon Rolfe announced Monday that she is stepping down from the position, effective immediately.  Since 2003, Rolfe has served as the weekend manager for the Patch Sprint.  Her responsibilities included starting the runners, arranging the social events and, perhaps most important, coordinating the volunteers.

A statement released by Rolfe indicated that she would still attend the event.  “I fully attend to be at the Patch Sprint, of course.  In fact, I will be trekking the course with my husband Phil and a group of good friends who have also defected from the ranks of volunteer.  After all of the mental and physical stress of dealing with the logistics, I’m just looking forward to a casual hike.  Or maybe even a free ride on Phil’s back.”  Rolfe added that “I may pitch in and help out the volunteers if I’m in the mood.”

LEFT:  The Rolfe's on a recent training hike at Stonehenge.  "This is easy," said Sandy.

Rolfe’s defection has left Patch Sprint organizers with a huge gap to fill.  Greg Henderson usually deals with the finances while Tim Singer takes care of planning and promotion.  When asked to step in as race director, Singer snapped, “Screw that.  I’m happy Sandy wants to trek but I’m working my butt off trying to keep up with the registration and press.  When race time comes, I want to have fun.  Let Henderson do it.!”

And so, Greg Henderson has stepped forward to be interim race director.  “I was training really hard and I thought that this would be the year that I could finally take the ‘Janny’ back from Kobak and Fiegl.  After running a 1:22:08 half-marathon last week, I figured I’d be on pace for about a 2:11 Patch Sprint.”  Now, however, Henderson’s plans have changed.  “I’ll just sit on my couch, eat junk food and wait for Memorial Day weekend, so I can clean cabins, stock aid stations, set up signs and clean up after everybody.  If someone else would like to do the job, please let me know.”

Henderson, Singer, Rolfe

COMING UP TOMORROW:  THE 2008 PATCH SPRINT LOGO IS REVEALED! DECISION 'O8.  You're chance to vote on the T-shirt of your choosing.

Patch Sprint Looking for Wikipedia Entry

The Patch Sprint is hoping to have a Wikipedia entry by the time this year’s sprint rolls around, only race organizers don’t know yet who is going to start it.  Race organizers are so busy with event preparations and website updates that they don’t have time to start the entry or keep it up.  “This has always been a race of the people, and the Wikipedia entry should come from the people” stated race expo director Mike Daley.    Possible additions to the Patch Sprint Wikipedia entry might include a testament to its awesomeness (citation needed), and some of the many deeds and quotes performed by Pok-O-MacCready owner Jack Swan.

HELP WANTED: Event Director.  Annual adventure race, reunion and party held each Memorial Day weekend.  Responsibilities include:  Coordinating a staff of volunteers; arranging for the setup of meals, aid stations and transportation; being enthusiastic; putting up with Greg and Skip..-  No prior experience required.  Salary negotiable.  Apply at patchsprint@yahoo.com

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