Suffolk features runners in 'Faces of the Race'

Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone announced the launch of “Faces of the Race,” a campaign to highlight runners who have registered for the inaugural Suffolk County Marathon & Half Marathon in Support of Veterans on September 13th.

“Many of these runners have compelling stories, have overcome adversity or personal challenges to race,” Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone said. “Some run to honor members of the military or people lost in the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Others have signed up for this first Suffolk Marathon so they can be part of history. We welcome everyone to participate in this marathon, which highlights the scenic beauty and bustling downtowns of Suffolk County.” The county board will also run the full marathon.

The “Faces of the Race” feature will appear regularly on the Suffolk Marathon website at suffolkmarathon.com and on Facebook, www.facebook.com/stevebellone .

Among the hundreds of registered marathoners so far are Pete Hawkins of Malverne, a wheelchair champion who has competed in marathons around the world, and Erin Henderson, a former Long Islander who now lives in Wyoming with her husband and Her 12 children.

Also running are Staff Sgt. Joshua Gravett, an Army recruiter in Shelden, and Joy Jackson-Perle of Wainscott, who is running in honor of Lance Cpl. Jordan Haerter of Sag Harbor, who was killed in Iraq in 2008;

The races will raise funds to expand and strengthen veterans services in Suffolk County. It's also a last chance for the Boston Marathon.

The marathon has a clearly planned route designed to highlight and drive tourism to centers along the Great South Bay. The race, which is a Boston Marathon qualifier, will start and finish at Heckscher State Park in East Islip with a Taste of Long Island wine and food festival to cap off the race festivities. Suffolk County has partnered with New York State to host this inaugural event.

For some race participants, the Suffolk Marathon is their first full marathon, while other registrants have been competing in marathons, grueling mud races and triathlons for years.