2023 Doc Lopez Run for Health to Feature New 5K Trail Run

Registration for the 43^rd Annual Doc Lopez Run for Health is now open. The event, scheduled for Sunday, April 30, 2023, includes the region’s only spring half marathon and a new 5K trail run.

“We’re thrilled to add a new element this year and hope to draw runners from around the region looking for a fun spring race,” said Sue Allott, race director and daughter of Robert “Doc” Lopez for whom the race is named. “The Doc Lopez race has always been a good excuse to get outdoors and celebrate springtime in the Adirondacks.”

The Doc Lopez Run for Health half marathon is an exciting race on a gorgeous stretch of mountain roads between the communities of Keene Valley and Elizabethtown, New York. While the challenging half marathon route is considered a “run for the hardy,” the event also features a 5K for athletes of all levels. According to Allott, the 3.1-mile loop traverses the edge of the Cobble Hill Golf Course before heading into the woods on a new network of mountain bike trails.

In 2022, race organizers welcomed nearly 100 participants back to the event in person after a two-year hiatus during the pandemic. Safety protocols, like dynamic bib assignment, disbursed packet pickup, and “goodies to go” helped limit crowds at the outdoor event. The community support, aid stations, and Adirondack prizes and giveaways, like maple syrup and DAK Bars, were runner favorites.

The race began in 1980 to benefit the health and wellbeing of the community. Dr. Robert “Doc” Lopez was a veterinarian and accomplished runner from Westport. Doc started a special tradition when he carried the torch for the 1980 Winter Olympics through Westport and Elizabethtown. Running up and over Adirondack “hills” became the foundation for the running event, which has since changed routes and expanded to include a 5K.

To register for the 2023 Doc Lopez Run for Health, visit RunSignUp.com.

To support the event as a volunteer or sponsor, please email Elizabeth Rogers at erogers@ech.org.