Steve Bellone of Suffolk County joined members of the Suffolk County Legislature, local military veterans and veteran supporters, the Greater Long Island Running Club, race directors and registered Suffolk County Marathon & Half Marathon runners to announce the 2015 Ruans Suffolk County Veteranning .
The series will take place in various locations throughout Suffolk County, including East Northport, Lake Ronkonkoma, Oakdale, Northport and Lindenhurst.
“With the launch of the 2015 Suffolk County Veterans Run Series, we now have an opportunity to make an even greater impact on our local veterans,” said Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone. “I want to thank everyone who helped make this series possible as it is our duty to provide our heroes with the services and help they need when they return home. Now we have an opportunity to make an even greater impact on our local veterans.”
The series will serve as an opportunity for local veterans and residents to participate in local races, including the Suffolk County Marathon & Half Marathon on September 13, 2015, while helping to raise additional funds for local veteran service groups.
“The Murphy family is pleased that County Administrator Steve Bellone has taken it upon himself to start the Suffolk County Marathon in support of all veterans and included the 4-mile run by Navy SEAL Lt. Michael P. Murphy around Lake Ronkonkoma in the Veterans Run Series,” said Dan Murphy, father of the SEAL who was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor. “I have always found County Administrator Bellone to be a strong supporter of our veteran community and dedicated to Suffolk County veterans and their needs. This inaugural marathon is yet another testament to that strong and ongoing commitment to our veterans. Congratulations to our County Executive, Steve Bellone. “
The following races are included in the 2015 Suffolk County Veterans Running Series:
May 23, 2015: The Annual Cpl. Christopher G. Scherer “I DID THE GRID” Run/Walk Pulaski Elementary School, East Northport
June 27, 2015: Lt. Michael P. Murphy 4-Mile Run Around the Lake, Lake Ronkonkoma
July 4, 2015: Firecracker 5k, Dowling College, Oakdale
September 12, 2015: Cow Harbor Warriors' Captain Joseph J. Boccia Jr. USMC 4-Mile Warrior Run, Crab Meadow Beach Park, Northport
September 13, 2015: Suffolk County Marathon and Half Marathon in Support of Our Veterans, Heckscher State, East Islip
November 7, 2015: Long Island Run for the Warriors, Lindenhurst
Veterans and residents who run or volunteer in all six races of the 2015 Suffolk County Veterans Run Series will receive a special, commemorative challenge coin.
Those who run or volunteer in the majority of races in the running series will receive a commemorative participation medal.
“Thank you to Bellone County Executive for his vision and my organization and I will do everything we can to make this incredible vision a reality by putting on what will truly be a world class marathon here in Suffolk County,” said Mike Polansky, president of the Greater Long Island Running Club, race directors for the Suffolk Marathon.
Information about the series and each of these races will be posted on www.suffolkmarathon.com and will include links to the pages of each participating race.
For more information, log on to www.facebook.com/stevebellone or www.suffolkcountyny.gov.
