Cheshire Medical Center has provided medical support at the annual Clarence DeMar Marathon in Keene for 17 years.
Ahead of the race this year, Cheshire was honored for its service with the marathon’s Business Champion Award.
“It felt great to be recognized,” said James Suozzi, DO, NRP, FACEP, EMS medical director and associate medical director of Cheshire’s Emergency Department. “The DeMar is a wonderful community event and success is due to a committed volunteer workforce. Staff volunteer their time on a Sunday every September to make this event successful and keep our runners safe.”
Cheshire starts prepping for the DeMar in March. During the race, volunteers provide basic first-aid to runners and, in extreme cases, help with conditions like heat stroke. Between 10 and 30 runners are assisted by Cheshire’s volunteers each year.
About 20 staff members typically volunteer their time for the five medical stations throughout the course and the medical tent at the finish line.
“It’s such a fun event to be a part of,” said Ashley DeLea, MS, ATC, N.H.LAT, one of Cheshire’s practice managers who spearheads the DeMar volunteer effort. “Seeing members of the hospital come together that may not ever cross paths is one of my favorite parts.”