With great appreciation, the Patch Sprint is pleased to announce - for 2020 -it has again eclipsed the ten-thousand dollar mark in donation for Adirondack Scholarship Foundation.

"This is incredible, especially considering it was a much smaller field due to the pandemic," said event co-founder and foundation director Tim Singer. "While we are short of last year's record (13-thousand dollars), it's still impressive generosity, given the circumstances."

A total of 59 participants made contributions, along with the Patch Sprint organization kicking in its own bonus gift representing a percentage of the event fees, following expenses.

Adirondack Scholarship Foundation is a not for profit organization, providing financial aid to families in need, to help send children to summer camp.  While camp was not run this year, the foundation is delighted to be able to defer 27 full or partial scholarships for the 2021 camp season

"Our thanks to everyone who took part," said Singer.  "Not only was it a fun day, but it was a beneficial one as well. We've given some children the opportunity to have the summer of their lives next year!

THE CHAMPIONS

Nick Arndt (Winner of the race in a time of 2:02:40):  “When you combine a historically competitive race, with a grassroots venue, on a mix of trails, mountains, and roads that inspire me, I’m all in. Personally, I wanted to see how I stacked up (time-wise) historically to the “ghosts” of the past (most, my friends). I think with a little more competition up front in the later stages of the race, I would have dipped under the 2-hour barrier.

“I really enjoyed the variety of surfaces that the Patch offered up. It keeps things interesting and levels the playing field. Also, it was nice to double-back on a few sections and encourage (and be encouraged) others, sharing in the same suffering.”

Charlotte Winkler (Women’s champion - 2:28:24):  “My favorite part about the Patch Sprint, besides the unique and adventurous course, was the community and the history.  Before, during, and after the race, I met so many wonderful people who welcomed me as a first time Patch Sprint-er.  Learning about the history of the camp and getting to explore a bit before the awards made it obvious why people come back year after year!  Thank you to everyone involved for putting on one of the only races of the year so far - and for doing it seamlessly and safely."

THE NEWCOMER

Mac Guthrie (Boston, MA): “So this was my first race ever, and my first time at Camp Poko. I was initially nervous, but I had no need to be. Everyone was insanely kind, welcoming, and stoked to show me around and tell me all about the camp grounds. You can see the passion for this place and this tradition on people’s faces.  I’m so grateful to all the awesome people I got to hang out with. The trails and the race itself were a blast, but the part I’m coming back for next year is the great community and the good times.”

THE VETERANS:  Why do you keep coming back?

Jason Metakis (20 Patch Sprints) - “For me, Patch Sprint is a great chance to reconnect - with camp, with friends, with nature, and with the Adirondacks.

The race is great motivation to stay active in winter and a good test of where my fitness is in the spring, while the weekend signals the unofficial start of summer (at least in most years).”

Pam Gonzalez (13 consecutive Patch Sprints):  “I asked myself that question yesterday and had three hours and 50 minutes to think about it. The feeling from the Patch Sprint can’t really be properly put into words. There is an energy generated by all the people who participate. The challenge of the Patch Sprint is equally physical and mental. Most of the time I am completely by myself with no one in sight for long periods of time. It keeps me motivated to keep training for another year while I still am able to.”

Jason Fiegl (Record six-time champion):  “At this point, the Sprint is like an old childhood friend that you love getting together with.  I feel incomplete if I don’t get on the course every year, whether it is in the winter, Memorial Day weekend, or just random runs in the woods.  
"There is such a personal relationship with the course that creates comfort and calm.
"Faces change, new runners come and go, but the course is always there to challenge me with whatever goal I have for the year.
"As I age and change, the course ages and changes with me, it has become a lifelong friend that I value.”

Pulling off a race during the COVID-19 pandemic was challenging and could not have happened without our event volunteers:  John, Jaida, Sarah, Joey, Jody, Mauricio, Amy, Squeak, Melanie, Isa, Kelly, David, Tom, Olivia, Erik, Shannon, David, Ali and Augusta. Also, race directors Brian, Skip, Spencer and Greg... Plus, the BEASTS for their help, as always, with marking the course.  And a special thanks to our partners and hosts at Pok-O-MacCready Camps.

At the latest check, Patch participants have again raised over 10-thousand dollars for Adirondack Scholarship Foundation!  

Thanks to everyone! Cross your fingers: We hope to see you on May 29, 2021 for the 25th annual Patch Sprint, or this fall, for the annual Pond Sprint!

Last year, USA oddsmaker Danny Sheridan hit correctly on four of the six divisions. For 2020 Danny says:  "No time this year to come up with an individual "skinny" for each runner, but below, I will make a general comment for every division. This year, there is a fine mix of  talented newcomers, past champions, and a few that have come close to winning in the past and are very hungry!"

"As always, finish times will be heavily influenced by the conditions.  The weather is expected to be hot and this will slow down the times, but not as much as in some years, as the racers have been training all summer in the heat, plus the trails are incredibly dry."

CLICK HERE TO SEE FULL STORY, TIME PREDICTIONS & COMMENTS FOR ALL DIVISIONS

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.

IF YOU READ NOTHING ELSE, PLEASE UNDERSTAND THAT - DUE TO THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC -
*** Face masks must be worn at all times, other than while racing/trekking on the course
*** There will be NO SCHEDULED VAN SHUTTLE SERVICE from the finish, back to the start.  Please make your own arrangements.  We apologize for this inconvenience.
*** Unfortunately, guests will not be allowed at camp,other than someone dropping you off, or picking you up (See other event COVID restrictions HERE).

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

                                 FINAL NOTICE FOR THE 2020 PATCH SPRINT

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

All participants who are staying at camp should have already received a housing letter and cabin assignment.  If not, here is THE LETTER, and please contact us to get your assignment. STRICT COVID-19 RESTRICTIONS (Face masks; private bathroom use; socially distancing, etc., will be in place and enforced.

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

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

Learn more about area lodging options here

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-yeards from the race start.  Race day check-in will be at the racer parking lot.

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

Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, The 2020 Patch Sprint will be staged with a staggered start format for racers and trekkers, next Saturday morning, August 22:

Race officials have worked to slot participants with friends and family, or in groups that best match their performance projections and original start time selections.

UNLESS THERE IS A MAJOR REASON TO CHANGE, PLEASE HONOR YOUR SCHEDULED TIME, to allow for proper spacing between small groups.

      Please CLICK HERE to check out your start time.

If you check in on Friday night, please arrive at least 20 minutes before your scheduled start time Saturday.  IF YOU DO NOT CHECK IN on Friday, please arrive at least 30 minutes prior to your scheduled start time.

Please WEAR YOUR FACE MASK until you begin racing.

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... After being shut for several months, the approach to Rattlesnake has re-opened (as of 8/14)... Due to the pandemic, friends and spectators are asked to not gather at trailheads or summits...

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 staggered 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.

Also, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, aid stations will be largely help yourself. PLUS: There is no organized shuttle service from the finish back to the start.  PLEASE MAKE YOUR OWN ARRANGEMENTS (a small possibility exists that volunteers may be willing to assist with rides)