From walkers to joggers to elite athletes, participants took to the 13.1-mile course, fostering community engagement and supporting the charitable work of The Friendly Sons of St. Patrick. Thousands of spectators came to show their support, bringing the sunshine with them by the time the race was well underway.

Southcoast Health is a longtime supporter of this amazing event, and for the first time, our employees laced up and took to the streets of New Bedford to compete as Team Southcoast. Together, they ran to raise funds for Southcoast Health’s Annual Fund, which supports services that are vital to making our community a healthier place to live, work and play.

“This is my favorite day of the year in New Bedford. Folks come out to train with friends and run after a long winter. Even more people show up to cheer on the runners and hand out water and orange slices. It’s super positive and exciting,” said Meg Rogers, Advancement Officer of Philanthropy at Southcoast. “This year, it was amazing to be part of the first-ever Team Southcoast of runners. It was a great opportunity to celebrate the work our non-profit health system does in the community and be present throughout the race in our Southcoast gear!”

As in previous years, Emergency Department volunteers from St. Luke’s Hospital were on hand, prepared with water, ice, tissue and every tool necessary to treat the varying ailments that often arise from long distance running. They provided first aid to runners all along the race route and at the First Aid station — just one of the many ways Southcoast Health gives back to the community we serve. And, while they make it look easy, organizing first aid services starts months in advance and requires regular communication with the Half-Marathon Committee and local first responders. Volunteerism at Southcoast Health is part of Southcoast Cares Community Engagement and Impact initiatives.

For more information about Southcoast Cares initiatives and volunteerism, please visit www.southcoast.org/southcoast-health-cares/.