Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone joined legislators, local veterans, business owners, members of the running community and the Greater Long Island Running Club Tuesday to announce that registration for the inaugural Suffolk County Marathon and Half Marathon is officially open to the public.
Residents and visitors can register at SuffolkMarathon.com. The race will be held on Sunday, September 13.
“We want to do something specifically for local veterans, and we know that every dollar that we are able to donate and raise from the marathon will be going right back to the veterans in our community right here in Suffolk County,” Bellone said. “I encourage all residents to get involved in the marathon. There are many ways participate besides, including volunteering opportunities and cheering on the runners on race day.”
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The Suffolk County Marathon and Half Marathon is a scenic course that will begin at Heckscher State Park and wind through the vibrant downtowns of Oakdale, Sayville, Bayport, Blue Point and Patchogue. The marathon is designated as a Boston Marathon qualifier.
“I’d like to thank the County Executive for setting such a good example of fitness,” said Linda Ottaviano from the Greater Long Island Running Club who will be facilitating race management for the event. “We are really looking forward to organizing this race.”
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County officials noted all net proceeds will help to expand and enhance veteran services in Suffolk County.
“The support from the leadership from this County, local business and community is truly what makes [Suffolk] County great,” said United States Army Captain Matthew S. Linton. “It is events like this that allow us to be so strong as an army. We are thankful for the support that you all provide us, and we are glad to give back as well to this community.”
Bellone hosted the announcement at the Sayville Running Company, a local Sayville business along the route of the inaugural marathon. Officials anticipate the marathon to generate nearly $8 million in economic stimulus throughout the region.
“Suffolk County is proud to be home of the State’s largest veterans population, and what a great way to say thank you to our service men and women and to show our support for our veterans and their families,” said Legislator Steve Stern, chairman of Veterans and Seniors committee.
“As a runner, I am really excited of something of this magnitude happening on our home turf,” said Brendan Barrett, co-owner of the Sayville Running Company. “As a business owner, all of the stores here are equally as excited to have people hang out, shop and watch the runners. And as a community member, I’m also very proud to be a part of this as this is doing a wonderful thing for a section of our community that needs our support—our veterans.”
“We are extremely excited for this event, and there are no better beneficiaries than these veterans groups,” said Legislator Bill Lindsay III. “There is an extreme amount of excitement throughout these communities, and we’re looking forward to inviting people from around the world to attend.”
“As a legislator and a runner, I am very excited to have this marathon right here in our backyard while showcasing what our downtowns have to offer,” said Legislator Kara Hahn.
“We have some great downtowns here that are going benefit from seeing so many visitors. Not just the runners but the spectators that are going to come along to watch the race and for such a great cause,” said Legislator Robert Calarco.
For more information, visit SuffolkMarathon.com or Facebook.com/stevebellone.
