25 years ago this week, two adventurous runner-hikers decided to run the Pok-O Patch course.  Greg and Skip covered the route in a time of three hours, 14 minutes, on a beautiful late spring day, and  crowned their effort The Patch Sprint.

A quarter of a century later, the course is two miles longer, the field is 150 runners larger, and the finish times are well over one hour quicker. And the day was just as perfect

Elite runners and race rookies A.J. Beers (Manlius, NY) and Pandora Down (Willsboro, NY) took the overall championships. Both completed an impressive double, as Beers captured last year’s Pond Sprint, while Down set a women’s course record in the winter sprint, earlier in 2021.

“I wanted to stay relaxed until after the Rattlesnake descent, then see how my legs were doing and start pushing from there”, said Beers. “The course will definitely punish you if you go out too hard! I suffered a lot up Pok-O (in mostly a good way) and having never been up it before, it felt like it was never going to end! At the start of the climb I looked down towards the aid station and saw Jeremy (Drowne) not far behind. I knew he was strong on the uphills so I told myself to just keep moving and run any of the flatter sections”

Beers (1:57:55), and race runner-up Jeremy Drowne, just over a minute behind, became the second and third racers all-time to break the two hour barrier (see RESULTS). “Sorry I got so carried away on top but I was very happy.  A.J. was just better, but I ran the race I’ve been trying to run for awhile. I don't think I have ever been so excited by a race that I didn't win. I love, love, love the Patch Sprint!”

Third place went to 2017 champion Sean Davis. “…felt good today! A bunch of fast guys at the front; A.J. and Jeremy had great races."

Pandora Down’s winning time of 2:27:52 was fourth fastest all-time for women, behind Deb Nordyke and Patty McCormick, both of whom captured age-group trophies this year. (SEE Patch Sprint RECORD BOOK).  "My strategy was based on running with (three-time champion) Cole Starkey, Down said. "He had pretty specific splits he thought we should make for Bare, Rattlesnake, etc. We aimed to make those and it went pretty well.
   "What a great race and a fun day! I loved the course, I was impressed by the competition!"

Teenager Katrin Schreiner was second among the women.  With her finish time of 2:36:56, all five members of her family have now bettered three hours. Sarah Gardner captured third.

Other division champions included Josh LeBlanc in the Half-Sprint; siblings Sophie and Eddie, setting a new course record in the Kindersprint; and veteran racer Ken Ryba, taking the Clydesdale division for the fourth time overall, but the first time in 11 years.

Thanks to all of the racers and trekkers who took part and, especially, to the volunteers, along with our hosts at Pok-O-MacCready Camps and the Adirondack Scholarship Foundation.

"The course records are safe for another year."

Last year, USA oddsmaker Danny Sheridan hit correctly on four of the six divisions (the other two finished 2nd). For 2021 Danny says: "This is getting increasingly tougher to call.  Both the men's and women's field are loaded with elite runners; it really comes down to who is having the best day."

"I don't envy the front-runners: with the new, less steep trail up Pok-O, they will have to run, not hike to the finish!"

   CLICK HERE TO SEE FULL STORY, TIME PREDICTIONS & "SKINNYS" FOR ALL RACERS

Agree or not?  Comment below!

Patch Sprint is nearly upon us!  By now, you have verified your start time, received your volunteer or race support assignments, as well as your lodging information.

Please link to THIS INFORMATIVE DOCUMENT containing news involving:

• Weekend & Meal Schedule
• Check-in Deadlines & Start Times

.... and much more.

We ask that everyone - even if you've been vaccinated - please bring a face mask.  It may be required, or requested of you, during certain portions of the event.

Thanks for your understanding, and looking forward to seeing everyone in a couple of days!

                                 FINAL NOTICE FOR THE 2021 PATCH SPRINT

Complimentary housing is available for all Patch Sprint participants who requested lodging on their registration.

All participants who are staying at camp will soon receive a housing letter and cabin assignment.  If not, here is THE LETTER, and please contact us to get your assignment. Amended COVID-19 RESTRICTIONS are in place: Face masks should be worn indoors and in close proximity to others.

PATCH SPRINT LODGING AT POK-O-MacCREADY CAMPS
CHECK-IN:  Is no earlier than 4:30pm Friday
CHECK-OUT:  Is no later than 9:00am Sunday*
* Volunteers for camp's Sunday projects may extend their stay

 OTHER GROUPS - NOT CONNECTED TO THE PATCH SPRINT - WILL ALSO BE STAYING AT CAMP

Learn more about area lodging options here

descriptions for each task).  Take note of the date and times of your assigned duty.  If you are unable to complete the assignment, please respond ASAP, so we can try and find someone else to fill your job. 

The Patch Sprint Committee appreciates your gift of time, energy, and enthusiastic support!

If you have any questions or concerns about your assignment for next weekend’s gathering, please feel free to contact us. 

Thank You so much!

Like much of the course, the start of the Patch Sprint is at an out-of-the-way location, located at the start of the driveway to Pok-O-MacCready Camps.  Set your GPS to:  1391 Reber Road North, Willsboro, NY  12996.

For those without GPS navigation, the location, on Reber Road, is one mile west of NY State 22, two miles north of the town center in Willsboro.  ​See maps below. ​

Friday Check-in & packet pickup, and all meals, will be at the Pok-O Queen Conference Center at Camp MacCready, 250-yards from the race start.  Race day check-in location tbd.

Please do not park on Reber Road; rather, use the parking area just after turning into the driveway at the race start.

The Northeast's hardest half-marathon... and then some!

13.5 miles... four mountains... paved roads, dirt roads, driveways, trails and woods.

And only so many arrows.

Of special note:  The descent from Bare to the 1812 Homestead has been re-routed and will be well marked.

Please familiarize yourself with the Patch Sprint course by viewing or downloading a course map. Hard copies will also be available at check-in.

Later this week we will send out the list of start times for all racers and trekkers.

​As you plan for race day, please be advised that all summit timers and aid station attendants will be operating on a fixed schedule.  

CLICK HERE for the "hours of operation", and plan accordingly.

Shuttle service from the finish back to the start will operate between 12:00-2:30, leaving from the south Pok-O Trailhead (not the one used to climb up the mountain.  You are also encouraged to make your own arrangements;  a small possibility exists that volunteers may be willing to assist with rides.