The online trash talking began about 30 minutes before the midnight opening for the 2012 Patch Sprint registration.

   “Watcha doing?,” asked Mike Taptick.
   “Sitting at my computer anxiously awaiting the arrival of midnight! 22.463 minutes!,” responded Jacob Gittler.
   “Somehow it let me register already. Weird. I guess I win again,” lied Taptick.

   After being the first to register in 2009 and 2010, Gittler was taken by surprise last year, as Taptick braced himself for the stroke of midnight, in order to take Gittler by surprise.  There were no surprises in 2012.  As 12:00 AM hit, the registration page went live, and the race was on.

   “GAHHH. DAMNIT,” cried Gittler.  He was beaten again!  But it was close.  Taptick hit the submit button just 29 seconds ahead of Gittler, but registered as a volunteer, with no fee and a deferred donation.  “Way to cut corners, Tappy,” said Gittler, who signed up and paid his fee as a racer and donor, while also selecting his start time, meal and lodging preferences; commitment to Sunday’s WOW work day; and purchasing  an extra T-shirt.
   Given all that, this was a virtual tie.

  Will the race and trek in May be so hotly contested.  If the first day of registration is any indication, prepare for Patch Sprint 2012 to be bigger and better than ever!
   As of 9:00 Tuesday, 21 hours into registration, over a dozen participants had already signed up—the biggest opening day yet!  Registrations have come in from as far as England and Oklahoma.  Sign-ups have already taken place in both men’s and women’s racing divisions, trekkers, and volunteers.

   And, most important, donations are pouring in.  Ten years ago, the Patch Sprint raised $479 dollars for the Adirondack Scholarship Foundation.  In 2012, over $500 has been raised… in just the first day of registration!  Also, starting this year, participants have the option to donate to ADK Scholarship, The Pok-O-MacCready Outdoor Education Center, or both not-for-profit organizations.

   Aside from the added beneficiary, there are no major changes planned for 2012.  Once again, participants will receive a t-shirt, complimentary lodging, meals, party invitations, a race number and on-course services.

   Until March 14, registration (in the racer and trekker divisions) is open only to returning Patch Sprinters.  Stay tuned in the weeks to come for registration updates, important news and training tips.  We will not be sending regular Email alerts with every breaking news story, so if you’d like to receive alerts, and remain up to date on what’s happening with Patch Sprint ’12, be sure to LIKE us on Facebook.