Register Early to Avoid Higher Fee PATCH SPRINT NEWS & NOTES

As of late February, 23 are registered for the 2008 Patch Sprint.  Last year at this time, there were 18 registrants.  A final total of 136 registered participants were on hand for Patch Sprint 2007.      "It's our hope to get an early indication of involvement," said race co-chair Greg Henderson.  "That way, we're not scrambling to get food, event supplies and t-shirts for everyone."      Consequently, there will be a late fee instituted in 2008.  "We've hinted at this in the past, but this year it's written in stone, right on the online registration form."  Henderson added, "The fee is still very reasonable:  $25 gets you entry into the event and all social functions, a race number, a shirt, a finishers medallion, meals and aid stations supplies."  On May 1, the fee rises to $35.00

VOLUNTEER, AND COME FOR FREE     Event volunteers pay no fee and yet, they receive most of the above benefits.  "So far, we have only three volunteers," laments race director Sandy Rolfe.  "I know that Phil is coming, and we can usually count on Sarah Disney, but we'll need more help.  A lot of our past volunteers have caught the 'trekking bug' and are covering the course this year!"

POK-O-MacCREADY's BIGGEST FUND RAISER     Last year, Patch Sprint participants raised $2,209 for the Adirondack Scholarship Foundation (Plus, an annonymous donor kicked an a $1800 bonus).  The 2008 goal is $2,500.  So far, $617 has been raised.  "Camp has been very generous in once again offering free housing for participants this year," said Tim Singer, Patch Sprint co-chair and Director of Alumni Affairs for Pok-O-MacCready Camps.  "Their hope is that people will again use this oppoitunity to donate and provide families in need the chance to send their children to camp."

Of those registered so far in 2008, the division breakdown is as follows:               OPEN FEMALE – 1               MEN’S MASTERS – 4                  OPEN MALE – 5                    TREKKER – 9                 VOLUNTEER – 3                      DONOR - 1

WHAT THEY ARE SAYING

"Yes friends I am moving over to the participant side! But will be happy to still help with set-up stuff and the slide show." -Trish Woodward: Long time volunteer and 2008 trekker.

"I'm in it to win this year!"” –Jacob Gittler, Three- hour finisher in 2007 and the youngest Patch Sprinter in 2006

“Glad to help out when I can...I think the sherpa thing has the potential to be a really bad idea if you have ever seen me crawl up Pok-o at the end of the race.” –David Joelson:  Enthusiastic trekker

“I'm in Peru now but I'll be back for the Patch Sprint and  I'll have plenty of stories to tell at the North End.".” –Dana Beck: Past trekker; 2008 racer.

COOKIES TO THE WINNERS     For the fifth time in the past six years, racers, trekkers and volunteers who receive special recognition will be awarded "Doc's OldKinda Cookies".  They're billed as the "Greatest cookies in the world" or "The greatest cookies in the Universe," or "The greatest cookies in the history of the world", or something like that.      The cookies are again being donated by company President Robert "Doc" Browning, the first person to complete the entire Pok-O Patch mountains in a day, in 1986.       Browning writes, "I want to send cookies again this year. I already have the tins and am psyched to continue the tradition. By the way, new web address---www.buydocscookies.com. I look forward to providing cookies again. Thanks, Doc"

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