Steve Bellone of Suffolk County joined legislators, local veterans, business owners, members of the running community and the Greater Long Island Running Club on Tuesday to announce that registration for the inaugural Suffolk County Marathon and Half Marathon is officially open at public.
Residents and visitors can register at SuffolkMarathon.com. The match will be held on Sunday, September 13.
“We want to do something special for local veterans and we know that every dollar we can donate and raise from the marathon will go back to the veterans in our community here in Suffolk County,” Bellone said. “I urge all residents to get involved in the marathon. In addition, there are many ways to get involved, including volunteering opportunities and cheering on runners on race day.”
The Suffolk County Marathon and Half Marathon is a scenic route that will begin at Heckscher State Park and weave through the lively downtown towns of Oakdale, Sayville, Bayport, Blue Point and Patchogue. The marathon is designated as a Boston Marathon qualifier.
“I would like to thank the county executive for setting such a good example of fitness,” said Linda Ottaviano of the Greater Long Island Running Club who will facilitate race management for the event. “We're really looking forward to hosting this race.”
County officials noted that all net proceeds will help expand and strengthen veterans services in Suffolk County.
“The support from the leadership of this county, local businesses and the community is really what makes it [Suffolk] The county is wonderful,” said United States Army Capt. Matthew S. Linton. “It's events like this that allow us to be so strong as a military. We're grateful for the support you've all given us, and we're happy to give back to this community as well.”
Bellone hosted the announcement at the Sayville Running Company, a local Sayville business along the inaugural marathon route. Officials predict the marathon will generate nearly $8 million in economic stimulus throughout the region.
“Suffolk County is proud to be home to the largest veteran population in the State and it's a great way to thank our service men and women and show our support for our veterans and their families,” said Legislator Steve Stern, chairman of the Committee on Veterans and Senior Citizens.
“As a runner, I'm really excited to have something of this magnitude happen on our turf,” said Brendan Barrett, co-owner of Sayville Running Company. “As a business owner, all the stores here are equally excited to have people hanging out, shopping and watching the runners. And as a community member, I'm also very proud to be a part of this as it does a wonderful thing for a segment 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 great excitement in these communities and we look forward to inviting people from all over 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 centers here that will benefit from seeing so many visitors. Not only the runners but also the spectators who will come to watch the race and for such a great cause,” said Legislator Robert Calarco.
For more information, visit SuffolkMarathon.com or Facebook.com/stevebellone.
