In 2009, Joseph Zimmerman was one of a handful of Kindersprint aged participants (10 and under) who chose

“Jo Jo”

to bypass the youth division in order to trek the entire Patch Sprint course.  Zimmerman, aged 9 at the time, impressed many with a quick and seemingly effortless performance.
    Zimmerman will again attempt the full course in 2010.  Furthermore, he is looking to enter the Open Male racing division, something that no one under the age of 16 has ever qualified for.  Zimmerman states his case:

Dear Patch Sprint Administration:

My name is Joseph Zimmerman.  I am ten years old.  Last year I ran in the Patch Sprint and completed the entire course.  I was supposed to run with my dad, but he was too slow for me, so I ended up running with a few other people.  I finished the course in three hours and twenty-four minutes and thirty seconds, which was the 23rd best overall time.  This year I plan to do better and I intend to enter the Open Male Division.  

However, while browsing the web, I noticed a new article on your web site.  Upon perusing the article, I was alarmed to discover that the “open” male division inexplicably states it is "open to males aged 11 and over."  Open to males 11 and over?  That is not open.  That is closed to me. 

In 2009, Zimmerman left his dad gasping for air.

I had to wonder, why 11? It seems to me that this arbitrary number is not a very accurate barometer of successful navigation of the course. Upon waking on the morning of my eleventh birthday am I going to find that I have developed some special skill that will assure path finding success?  Apparently being over the age of ten did nothing for Cole Starkey, Dannyboy, Carrie and Augusta, the mysterious Q or any of the other “adults” who have drifted off course. 

I am somewhat dismayed that you do not consider an applicant’s experience.  In addition to completing the course last year, I have climbed each of the Patch Sprint mountains at least six times; I’m an aspiring 46er; Jim Kobak is my UNCLE!  Being ten years old should not prevent me from competing.

Fortunately, despite my small stature and pre-adolescent status, I can read.  On this same web site there is a link to Event info, and in that section is information about the Divisions.  There it explicitly states that the Open Male Division is "open to males of any age."  I prefer to follow that decree.  Please include me in the Open Male Division. Thanks.

Joe Zimmerman

RESPONSE FROM THE PATCH SPRINT RULES COMMITTEE:

   “Given the fact that Mr. Zimmerman ran such impressive a race in 2009, and has so eloquently stated his desire to race in the open division in 2010, we have agreed to allow him into the division of his choice.
   “However, we do deem it necessary for Mr. Zimmerman, as a special entrant, to adhere to certain guidelines.  First, he must be accompanied by a “buddy”, or racing partner, as is mandated in the Patch Sprint rules for all junior racers.  Second, His racing partner must be someone of equal ability, and not his father.  Third, he must begin his race at 8:00 or 9:00 am and not at 10:00, as he registered to do.
   “It is important for everyone to know that racers aged ten and younger are strongly urged to enter the Kindersprint, or to trek the course with an adult.  Once again, this is a special case; we wish Mr. Zimmerman the best of luck, with the understanding that his performance will be closely scrutinized.”