In an announcement released last night, former Patch Sprint trekker and longtime volunteer Erin Canning has been designated as the event’s new race Director.  The position is effective immediately, with Canning expected to serve many roles in advance of, as well as during Patch Sprint weekend, May 28-30.

     “I’m honored to take on this responsibility,” said Canning, who has been involved with the Patch Sprint since 2001.  “At the same

Canning promises that “the axe will fall” on anyone who doesn’t work to make the Patch Sprint the “greatest race in the Universe”

time, I’m a little nervous about the enormity of this undertaking.”  Perhaps, Canning was also alluding to the string of bad luck that has befallen many of her predecessors in the role.  The Patch Sprint has gone through six directors in its relatively short 13 year span.  “The position has been kind of like the being the drummer for Spinal Tap,” stated event co-chairman Tim Singer, “but we offered the post to Erin because we believe she will be on board long term.”

     Canning’s responsibilities will center around managing the logistics of the busy weekend schedule, including coordinating the volunteers, supervising the schedule, payment and registration.  “Erin has a good mix of qualities,” said Patch Sprint co-chairman Greg Henderson.  “She works well with others, has a ‘no-nonsense’ approach to leadership, yet still has the ability to kick back and have fun while at the same time getting the job done well.”
     In addition to her coordination duties, Canning will also serve as official race starter.  “I’m ready to give at an, uh, go!”

     Several other candidates were considered for the post.  “Dana Beck was a strong possibility,” said Singer, “but living 3000 miles away, she was at a bit of a disadvantage.  Should Dana decide to relocate, both we and Erin would strongly entertain the notion of a shared directors role.”  Veteran racer Phil Maher was also vying for the job, but his policy of “allowing performance enhancing drugs” was deemed by the search committee to be too dangerous.  Jacob Gittler was also in line for the position but opted to “continue racing and see if I can improve upon last year’s time by three or four minutes.”