Record turnout raises $5,900 for hospital’s community-based programs

Photo courtesy of Erik Teed

More than 195 runners, ages 5- 79, competed in the Doc Lopez Run for Health hosted by University of Vermont Health Network - Elizabethtown Community Hospital (ECH) on Sunday, April 28.  Now in its 44^th year, the event saw a record turnout and raised more than $5,900.  Proceeds benefit ECH patients and their families through community programs designed to remove barriers to a healthier lifestyle.

The half marathon drew 83 participants and 131 people ran the 5k trail loop behind the Cobble Hill Golf Course in Elizabethtown.

Saranac Lake native Zachary Smith won the half marathon, finishing in 1:22:07.69. Justine Trybendis, from Glens Falls, was the top female finisher with a time of 1:35:25.97.

Among the top 5k finishers, two Elizabethtown Community Hospital employees led the pack. For the second year in a row, Michael Bodnar, an emergency department technician and Westport resident, was the top male finisher with a time of 20:35.42.  Brittany Schebell, a physical therapist from Jay, was the top female finisher with a time of 24:31.35.

Sue Allott, race director, ECH board chair and daughter of Dr. Robert “Doc” Lopez, said, “I am so proud of how, after all these years, this run continues to grow in terms of runners, volunteers and community support. I think this speaks to the courses and the impact the event has on people we know and care about with ECH programs like the Community Cupboard, free health screenings throughout the year and its diabetes education prevention. I’m so happy to be a part of it.”

For more information on the Doc Lopez Run for Health and other events in the community, visit UVMHealth.org/ECHDonate.