Elizabethtown, NY – The University of Vermont Health Network - Elizabethtown Community Hospital Auxiliary is excited to announce that registration is open for the Doc Lopez Run for Health, set for Saturday, March 21, 2020. The event, now in its 40^th year, includes a half marathon, 5K, and one-mile walk.

“The race route may have changed over the last four decades, but the reason we run has not,” said Susan Allott, race director and daughter of Robert “Doc” Lopez. “This race has always been about inspiring people to get outdoors and run for a good cause.” More than 150 participants are expected at the event, which draws runners from Albany, Vermont, and Canada.

According to Allott, each of the distances offers something unique. “From the one-mile walk to the 5K and half marathon, there is something for everyone. The half marathon is a beautiful and challenging course that includes breathtaking views and a rewarding descent to the finish in Elizabethtown. The 5K and one-mile walk offer a flatter course and plenty of supporters.”

“Whether you are looking to set a healthy resolution for the New Year or for an excuse to get outdoors this winter, registering for the Doc Lopez race can serve as your motivation,” said Allott.

Registration for the 40^th Annual Doc Lopez Run for Health is open at www.doclopezrun.com. Early registrants receive a commemorative t-shirt and reduced rates.

A special registration discount is available this year for those who sign up for both the Shamrock Shuffle and the Doc Lopez Run for Health. The Shamrock Shuffle, held March 14, 2020 in Plattsburgh, New York, is a 5K race which benefits the UVM Health Network - Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital.

“The Doc Lopez race is a wonderful opportunity for runners, volunteers, and local businesses to support the hospital and population health initiatives,” said Laura Sells-Doyle, president of the UVM Health Network - Elizabethtown Community Hospital Auxiliary. “We are so fortunate to have a growing group of dedicated volunteers, who cheer on runners and help coordinate the post-race celebration, and local business sponsors, who help us keep costs to a minimum. This year we hope to continue to build support for the race and the hospital.”

For race or sponsorship information, please email erogers@ech.org.

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About Elizabethtown Community Hospital

The University of Vermont Health Network - Elizabethtown Community Hospital is a designated critical access hospital and the primary health care provider serving the 39,000 people who live, work and vacation in Essex County, NY and the surrounding region.

Elizabethtown Community Hospital is transforming rural health care at its main campus in Elizabethtown, NY, at a new emergency department and outpatient center at the former Moses Ludington Hospital in Ticonderoga, NY, and at six community-based primary health care centers located throughout the region.  The hospital is one of the community’s largest employers with 383 employees.

Across the Elizabethtown and Ticonderoga campuses, the hospital maintains two 24-hour emergency rooms, a 25-bed inpatient unit, physical therapy, laboratory, and digital radiology departments, and a variety of specialty physician clinics on a weekly and monthly basis.  

Elizabethtown Community Hospital is accredited by the Joint Commission and is licensed and certified by the New York State Department of Health and the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

About The University of Vermont Health Network
The University of Vermont Health Network is an academic health system that is comprised of six affiliate hospitals, a multi-specialty medical group, and a home health agency. We serve the residents of Vermont and northern New York with a shared mission: working together, we improve people’s lives.  Our partners include:

• The University of Vermont Medical Center  
• The University of Vermont Health Network Medical Group
• The University of Vermont Health Network – Alice Hyde Medical Center
• The University of Vermont Health Network – Central Vermont Medical Center
• The University of Vermont Health Network – Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital
• The University of Vermont Health Network – Elizabethtown Community Hospital
• The University of Vermont Health Network – Porter Medical Center
• The University of Vermont Health Network – Home Health and Hospice

Our 4,000 health care professionals are driven to provide high quality, cost-efficient care as close to home as possible. Strengthened by our academic connection to the University of Vermont, each of our hospitals remains committed to its local community by providing compassionate, personal care shaped by the latest medical advances and delivered by highly skilled experts.