Partnering with the premier hospitals in the California Central Coast region, the San Luis Obispo Marathon, Half Marathon + 5K has signed Catholic Healthcare West Hospitals (CHW) of the Central Coast as an official sponsor and medical provider for the race weekend.

The hospitals represented are French Hospital Medical Center, Arroyo Grande Community Hospital and Marian Medical Center.

French Hospital, located on Johnson Avenue in San Luis Obispo and along the marathon and half marathon course, will be the primary care facility for the race. The French Hospital tent will be located at the finish line and staffed by local care professionals.

“We are extremely excited to have CHW and French Hospital Medical Center as our medical provider for the marathon weekend,” says Heather Hellman, event director. “French Hospital is an award-winning facility with outstanding comprehensive care, medical personnel, administration and volunteers. I can rest easy knowing that our athletes, should something arise, will be taken care of by the best in the business.”

Recently, French Hospital Medical Center was named one of the Top 50 Cardiovascular Hospitals in the country, according to an annual study released by Thomson Reuters, an independent, nonbiased source of information for the world’s businesses and professionals. The hospital is one of only two California hospitals identified on the list. French Hospital is also home to the Hearst Cancer Resource Center and a new French Health Center, a comprehensive primary care practice.

“French Hospital is honored to sponsor the very first San Luis Obispo Marathon. We believe in supporting events that promote good health and encourage healthier lifestyles. This will be an excellent opportunity for our community to participate and showcase the beautiful Central Coast,” says Alan Iftiniuk, French Hospital president and chief executive officer.