 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!
2 Comments
Thomas B.
8/24/2020 07:24:33 pm
Charlotte Winkler isn't just a sick trail runner, but she's also a killer teaching assistant for rad college courses. She was my TA. Go Charlotte!!
Charlotte W.
8/25/2020 05:59:55 am
Thanks Thomas :) Leave a Reply. |
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