KEENE VALLEY/ELIZABETHTOWN — Approximately 200 runners and a few walkers participated in the Doc Lopez Run for Health half marathon from Keene Valley to Elizabethtown and 5K Trail Run through the Cobble Hill Golf Course.
The half marathon is one of the more strenuous races of its length as after a few miles through scenic Keene Valley it requires a steady two mile climb to the top of Spruce Hill as indicated on the race’s website; The Doc Lopez Run for Health is, “a race for the hardy.”
This year’s event after early morning rains, which included a few claps of thunder, cloudy skies, and temperatures hovering around 60 degrees provided for ideal conditions.
The event is sponsored through the auspices of the University of Vermont Health Network at Elizabethtown Community Hospital (ECH).
According to Jodi Gibbs, Quality and Population Health Assistant at ECH, a total of 195 racers competed and finished the race. This included 126 for the 5k and 69 for the half marathon. “This was the best turnout to date,” said Gibbs.
“We expect to net around $5000 on this event. All proceeds will benefit patient programs at Elizabethtown Community Hospital.”
Race History: According to the race’s website: Dr. Robert “Doc” Lopez, a veterinarian and accomplished runner, 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 a beloved, local Adirondack running event, the Doc Lopez Run for Health.
Doc completed the Boston and New York City marathons among others to compile 60 marathons by age 60. He loved the outdoors and encouraged others to get moving outside through the many races he organized, including the Westport 24-Hour Marathon, Whiteface Mountain Uphill Race, Frostbite Run five-miler around Mirror Lake, and the Sara-Placid Marathon from Paul Smith’s College to Lake Placid.
His love of running was passed on to his 14 children and, today, his daughter, Sue, carries on the Run for Health tradition as race director. Though the race route and charity have changed since it was first held in 1980, the event has always been about inspiring people to get outdoors and run for a good cause.
To see the full race results go to: www.adirondackcoast.com.
Email Alvin Reiner at rondackrambler@gmail.com.