You've run the roads, hiked the trails, climbed three mountains and you get to the base of Pok-O-Moonshine.  All you want to do is try and finish, preferably as quickly as possible.

However, for the second year in a row, that mission has been made somewhat more lengthy, if not difficult.

As was the case in 2017, the trail up Pok-O has again gone through a longer re-routing.  Last year, it was a new lower section, with switchbacks.  Now it's the area above the first clearing, leading to the old ranger's cabin.  "Just like last time, the trail is much better," said veteran Patcher Jim Kobak.  "But, it's again a lot longer."

NEW TRAILS MANDATED

While the Patch Sprint course - and even part of Pok-O -  still allows for some options, racers and trekkers are required to follow these new trail sections.  "I've already been in touch with the state DEC," said event organizer Tim Singer.  "They have asked that we use only the new route.  Since we already have to apply for a permit to be on top (with so many participants), we have no choice but to respect their wishes."

With three weeks to go until the Patch Sprint, the event has sold out for racers and trekkers. 2018 marks the 8th consecutive year that the event has sold out; six out of those years it has filled up before May.

   Registration remains open for volunteers, Kindersprint, Half-Sprint, Relay, as well as event guests.  A waiting list has been instituted for the racing and trekking divisions, with the priority being placed on first come, first serve, as well as donor generosity.

​   "We'd love to take as many as possible," said event co-director Tim Singer, "but we have to limit numbers due to event logistics, environmental impact, and state regulations."  So far, 171 people have registered for this year's event, scheduled for May 25-27.

   The Patch Sprint is pleased to announce a renewed affiliation with Kinetic Running.  The Plattsburgh, NY based store is one of the region's very few locally owned and operated running retailer.  Aside from selling quality products for running (and other outdoor activities),
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​Kinetic is committed to promoting the sport locally, and helping local organizers put on a top-notch event.  "We  enjoy being a part of the Patch Sprint" said Jeremy Drowne, store co-owner and third place finisher in the 2016 race. "This is a good group of people who do this race" 

For the 2018 event, Kinetic is donating several items to be used for race support, as well as for a fundraising auction, in support of the Patch Sprint's beneficiary, Adirondack Scholarship Foundation. Among the prizes: Hydration belts, and energy gels. 

Visit Kinetic Running at their new location:
77 MARGARET STREET PLATTSBURGH, NY     (518) 324-4786

In addition to the products pictured below, several others have donated prizes and gift certificates.  Raffle tickets will be on sell throughout the weekend.

   The end of April deadline has passed for Patch Sprint participants to receive refunds.  Should anyone need to drop out between now, and event weekend, they may request for their race fee to be added to their donations, for which they will be receipted.

   If you plan on backing out, please alert us as soon as possible, as racers and trekker spots are nearly sold out.  In addition, most T-shirt sizes have sold out but, if interest is there, we may do a supplemental order.

Attention Patch Sprint Racers and Trekkers:

   As training season kicks in, and you want to take on portions of the course, please keep in mind that the logging trails on Bare Mountain are private property, and off limits to everyone. These are the trails that lead down Bare, to the Homestead.

The land owner has granted access for race morning only; should we violate his request to stay off of his property at other times, he may revoke all access, including for the race.

The standard hiking trail up the mountain is still open for use; please travel up and down this route during your training.

Thank you for your cooperation!

Sean Davis is now officially a dual Patch Sprint Champion.  The 2017, defending race champ has also put in the fastest time for the 2018 Winter Patch Sprint.

​"It's an honor to be the Winter Champion, got one of each now.  I had a blast out there!," said Davis of taking the informal winter title, thanks to an incredible effort in snowy conditions, completing the course in a time of 3:19:46 (details here).  "I went very light on the gear – did the whole thing in just my trail running shoes, no snowshoes or microspikes. It wasn’t too much of an issue, definitely had to fight my way through some deep snow at times but I didn’t have any issues with traction until I hit Pok-O, where the slick trail made for a very slow ascent.

"By the time I hit the summit I was really feeling the cold, I had planned on taking a selfie at the top but my hands were so cold I couldn’t work the phone! The wind was wicked at the summit, once I reached the tower I immediately turned around and booked it back down.  Totally worth it though!"

Davis winter title wasn't without a challenge, as his Ragnar Relay teammates Jason Fiegl and Cole Starkey - both former Patch champions (left) - made a course attempt on the final day of winter, with Fiegl finishing in a time of 3:29:03.  Using a reverse course routing, they started on Pok-O and finished on Rattlesnake.  "On the way up the rocks the 3:19 goal passed by on my watch but that didn't bother me," said Fiegl, who continues to hold a share of the winter record. "I was really proud of the run and soon met Cole near the summit and post holed with him to the boulder at summit.  Great day being out with Cole and playing in the woods.  Not everyone is willing to do a winter sprint. It takes a determined slightly off-kilter bunch."

Earlier in the winter, Brian DeGroat and Tim Singer also successfully covered the course, while several other past winter finishers - Stephanie Lylis, Jacob Gittler, Matt Moscato, and Katie Moffett - either did portions of the route, or lended support to the others.  

  1- Race number to be worn by Sean Davis, defending champion
  2- Hours.  Time barrier that has yet to be broken!
  3- Countries represented (USA, Canada, Great Britain)
  4- Miles.  Length of the new Half-Sprint course
  5- Dogs that have completed the Patch Sprint
  5- Separate divisions in which Amy Kobak has participated
  6- Seconds.  Record closest margin of victory (2006)
  6- Miles.  Longest leg in the Patch Sprint relay
  6- Winter Forty-Sixers registered for this year’s Patch Sprint
  7- Youngest person to complete the entire course (​​​Nora Canning)
  7- Number of people named Davis who took part in 2017 race
11- Oldest age for the Kindersprint division