RANDOLPH, Vt. — Gifford Health Care’s 21st annual Last Mile brought hundreds of people together Aug. 14 and 15, raising over $170,000 to support patients and families receiving end-of-life care.
A total of 732 people participated in the two-day event, which included a timed 5K run, one- and two-mile walks, road and gravel bicycle rides, and the signature motorcycle ride through central Vermont.
“This event is such a powerful example of what happens when a community shows up for one another,” said Tayo Kirchhof, Gifford’s Senior Director of Development and Community Engagement. “Every runner, walker, rider, volunteer, sponsor, and donor played a part. Together, they are helping Gifford say yes when a patient or family needs a little extra support during an incredibly difficult time.”
This year’s Last Mile included 213 5K runners, 310 walkers, 36 bicyclists, and 173 motorcycle riders and passengers across 128 bikes. Participation grew from 655 people in 2025 to 732 this year, an increase of nearly 12 percent.
Funds raised through the Last Mile support Gifford patients receiving end-of-life care and their families, helping meet needs that may not otherwise be covered — including transportation, meals, therapies, funeral expenses, and other support that brings comfort and eases burdens during an incredibly difficult time.
The event was supported by 59 business sponsors, along with volunteers, donors, and community partners who contributed their time, services, food, prizes, and other support throughout the weekend.
“Last Mile represents something very special about Gifford and the communities we serve,” said Gifford President and CEO Michael Costa. “For 21 years, people have come together not simply to raise money, but to take care of their neighbors. That generosity allows Gifford to help patients and families in meaningful ways when they need us most.”
The weekend began Friday evening with the 5K run and walks, followed by a community reception with food and live music. Events continued Saturday with the bicycle and motorcycle rides, a community barbecue, raffles, and a closing celebration.
Gifford extends its sincere thanks to the participants, volunteers, donors, sponsors, and community organizations who made the 21st annual Last Mile Ride possible. In 21 years, the event has raised nearly $2,000,000 for patients and families in central Vermont.
The 22nd annual Last Mile Ride will take place Friday, Aug. 20 and Saturday, Aug. 21, 2027.
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About Gifford Health Care: Gifford Health Care is a community hospital in Randolph, Vt., with family health centers in Berlin, Bethel, Chelsea, Randolph, and Rochester, and specialty services throughout central Vermont. A Federally Qualified Health Center and a Top 100 Critical Access Hospital in the country, Gifford has earned both a 5-star Overall Hospital Quality Rating and a 5-star Patient Survey Rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services — the highest recognition possible in both categories. Gifford is a full-service hospital with a 24-hour emergency department and inpatient unit, many surgical services, daycare, an adult day program, and a 30-bed nursing home. The Birthing Center, established in 1977, was the first in Vermont to offer an alternative to traditional hospital-based deliveries and remains a leader in midwifery and family-centered care. As a community health center and medical home, Gifford’s mission is to improve and manage the health of the people we serve by providing and assuring access to affordable, high-quality health care, and by promoting the health and well-being of everyone in our service area.
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