This year, Wilson comes full cycle. Following a fifth place overall finish amongst women in 2007, she has returned to volunteering, a role she first performed in 1999.
Expect to find her on the summit of one of the mountains, marking the split times of the racers and trekkers.
When not racing other events or volunteering at the Patch Sprint, Wilson works as a nurse and a volunteer for many other causes. She lives in Shelburne, VT with her husband, Tim and her dog, Wanda.
“The best part is to see it be a fun day for everyone; much more important then winning or losing the race. It brings friends together, friends who rarely get to spend enough time during the year.”
2. LAST YEAR YOU RAN YOUR FASTEST RACE. WHY SWITCH TO VOLUNTEER THIS YEAR?
“I’ve had the trekking experience and I’ve had the racing experience. Now, I go back to my roots. Plus, I know that the need for volunteers this year is huge because so many past volunteers now consider themselves athletes! I’m also looking forward to recording the times as guys like Jason Fiegl are whizzing by me so fast that I’ll barely be able to read their number.”
3. YOU’VE BEEN AROUND AWHILE. WHAT’S CHANGED MOST ABOUT THE PATCH SPRINT?
“The event is so much bigger; more people want to participate. The biggest change is now there are flags and signs to direct the racers. It’s still a challenge for everyone, whether or not there are signs, but this is a good change because it makes the race more accessible to a lot of people.”
4. IS THE PATCH SPRINT MORE OF A RACE, A REUNION OR A PARTY?
“Well, the answer is ‘yes’. First, it’s a reunion on Friday night. Then, a race on Saturday. And finally, a party on Saturday night. It wouldn’t be the Patch Sprint without all three!”
5. WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE FIRST-TIME PATCH SPRINTERS?
“If you’re racing, pace yourself because it’s a long day. You want to feel good coming through the tunnel and heading for Pok-O. Definitely save something for Pok-O. It’s the hardest challenge and you want to have something left.”
(as of 4/22)
TREKKER – 33
OPEN MALE – 17
FRIEND /DONOR - 12
VOLUNTEER – 12
CLYDESDALE - 6
OPEN FEMALE –11
MEN’S MASTERS – 8
KINDERSPRINT - 11
WOMEN’S MASTERS – 2
Thanks to a generous donation (the largest to date) pledged Thursday evening, the Patch Sprint has exceeded it's 2008 goal of $2,500.
The event is first, and foremost, a fund-raiser for the Adirondack Scholarship Foundation, and more donations are expected to come in via online pledges, and a 50-50 raffle at the event.
On behalf of Pok-O-MacCready Camps, the chairpersons of the Patch Sprint wish to thank everyone for their generosity!
Long-time Patch Sprint photographer Tricia Woodward (left, in photo) will be trekking the course for the first time in 2008. For Woodward, it's merely the latest step in an athletic renaissance, with even more challenges ahead. Woodward writes:
"As many of you know I participated in the Seacoast Half Marathon in November 2007 as a member of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Team in Training. I had a great experience in Portsmouth so now I am back at it again! This time I am training to participate in The Mayor's Midnight Half Marathon in Anchorage, AK on June 21st. I am also participating with the team as a Team Mentor."
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