Six Weeks to Claim Winter Title

Three-time Race Winner Leads Field So Far

Aspiring winter Patch Sprinters have until March 21 to do a successful winter course traverse.

"Conditions couldn't be better", said Cole Starkey, who is currently leading a field of six successful sprinters for the current winter.  Starkey, who has won three overall Patch titles, and did a summer out and back "Super Sprint", is looking for his first winter crown.  In December, he ran the course in a time of three hours, thirty minutes, easily outpacing five others.  

"We didn't need snowshoes, crampons, micro spikes, or even boots for that matter," said Jacob Gittler, who finished with a group in a time of 3:45:12. All of them wore trail runners.  Added Mike Taptick, "and from what I can tell, conditions now are pretty much the same."

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SEE ALL-TIME LIST OF WINTER CHAMPIONS HERE

The Winter Sprint must take place between December 21st and March 21st. Competitors are on their own and must abide by the same rules in place for the summer sprint, although course order is discretionary and snowshoes and x-country skis are allowed.

Competitors who have never completed a Patch Sprint must be accompanied by at least one other person on each mountain.
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For any competitor, only the first reported completion each winter season will be recognized. If you choose to report your attempt, you must contact us within one week of the trek.

​Jason Fiegl holds the all-time winter mark - 2:53:27 - set in 70-degree temperatures in 2012.  The Sprinting Stephs, Konowitz and Lylis, are the women's record holders.

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