Milestone event raises $5,100 for hospital’s community-based programs

ELIZABETHTOWN, N.Y. (4/29/2025) – Braving rain and snow, 124 runners competed in the Doc Lopez Run for Health hosted by University of Vermont Health Network - Elizabethtown Community Hospital (ECH) on Sunday, April 27.  The event raised more than $5,100, benefiting ECH community programs supporting patients and families throughout the year.

Sue Allott, race director and daughter of Dr. Robert “Doc” Lopez for whom the race is named, said "It’s hard to believe that 45 years later, the Doc Lopez Run is still going strong and making a difference in people’s lives. My father would be amazed – and humbled.”

The half marathon drew 42 participants and 82 people ran the 5k trail loop behind the Cobble Hill Golf Course in Elizabethtown.

Jeremy Drowne of West Chazy won the half marathon, finishing in 1:15:27.84. For the second year in a row, Justine Trybendis of Glens Falls was the top female finisher with a time of 1:36:25.23

Among the top 5k finishers, were Ben LeBlanc of Saranac Lake, with a time of 21:30.12 and Sarah Gardner of Lake Placid who ran the course in 25:40.8.

Alyssa Carroll, Philanthropy and Community Engagement Officer for ECH said, “Even with the cold, wet weather, it was a great turnout.  And thanks to all of our runners and sponsors, ECH’s programs benefit as do the patients and families they support.”

This year’s event sponsors include:
 

• Ben & Jerry's
• Casella Waste Management
• Kinney Drugs Store
• Stafford, Piller, Murnane, Plimpton, Kelleher & Trombley, PLLC
• Stewart's Shops
• Sylvamo
• The Mountaineer
• Tops
• Westelcom / SLICFiber
• Whitney Maple Syrup
• William J. Murray, Inc.
• Buck Mountain Maple Syrup
• Uihlein Foundation
• Keene Valley Neighborhood House
• Baxter Mountain Tavern
• Keene Valley Central School
• Cobble Hill Golf Course

For more information on supporting ECH community programs or upcoming events, please visit UVMHealth.org/ECHDonate.