2015 PRESS HIGHLIGHTS

2016 SUFFOLK COUNTY : OCTOBER 30TH, 2016 PATCHOGUE, NY SUFFOLK COUNTY MARATHON & HALF MARATHON BY THE NUMBERS

over 3,500 runners registered, representing 25 states & 4 countries

• Full: Chao Zhou, 2:46:48; Caroline Levesque, 3:11:55.3 • Half: Anthony Famiglietti, 1:07:31.5; Pamela O’Sullivan, 1:23:57.5 • Participants ranged in age from 13 to 84 • Nearly 100 veteran and active duty military participants

Fast, flat course attracts runners from a wide range of skillsets— from a former Olympian to the recreational jogger.

spectators cheered from 6 downtowns on Long Island’s south shore, generating an estimated $8 million in revenue

17 vendors provided local food, beer & wine at the Taste of Long Island Festival + 15 organizations had tables at the Veterans Resource Expo

a total of $160,000 was raised to support Suffolk County veterans Suffolk County Suffolk County Suffolk County

Thousands race in 1st Suffolk County Marathon Sunday marked the first-ever Suffolk County Marathon and Chopper 12 was overhead.

September 13, 2015 4:45 PM

EAST ISLIP - Thousands of runners hit the pavement for the inaugural Suffolk County Marathon and half-marathon on Sunday. The 26.2-mile run began and ended at Heckscher State Park, and stretched all the way to Patchogue. Most of the route was along Montauk Highway, and it crossed through downtown villages like Sayville and Blue Point.

A New York City man completed the men’s marathon first, while a Rhode Island woman finished first in the women’s full -mar athon.

More than 3,400 runners participated. There was a special category for active military members, as well as a component for racers with disabilities.

Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone says all of the net proceeds from the race will go to help local veterans. Organizers say the race raised about $100,000 for the cause. Suffolk County Suffolk County

First Suffolk County Marathon a Success by Beth Ann Clyde September 14, 2015

Forecasts of rain didn’t deter nearly 1,000 mara- With only money left to be counted and impact on the communities to be estimated, it’s time to start looking towards year two, thoners and 2,600 half-marathoners from coming to which Bellone expects to be even better. Heckscher State Park for the first-ever Suffolk County Marathon and Half Marathon to Support our Veterans “I was in the Army, and we were constantly doing after-action reviews of everything you did,” Bellone said. “We’ll of course be Sunday, Sept. 13. doing an after-action review, looking at what worked, what maybe didn’t work and what we can improve upon next year.”

The rain never came, and Chao Zhou, 39, of Man- Need inspiration to lace up your running shoes? Leading up to the race, Pulse spoke with Long Islanders running either the Suf- hattan broke the tape in the inaugural marathon in folk County Marathon or Half Marathon. Learn about why they signed up and why they run. 2:46:50.71. East Islip’s Jerry Pannullo, 45, finished behind him in 2:47:39.71, and Timothy Messen of Hanover, N.H., clocked in at 2:49:07.23 for third. On the women’s side, Caroline Levesque, 34, of Tiverton, R.I., left Suffolk County with a first-place finish in 3:12:02.74. Kayla Kenda, 27, of Bay Shore and Laura Gottesdiener, 28, of Brooklyn took second and third, respectively, in 3:20:57.81 and 3:24:16.93 .

A pair of runners with local ties crossed first in the men’s and women’s half . Patchogue-Medford High School graduate Anthony Famiglietti, 36, won the men’s half marathon in 1:07.35.90, and Babylon resident Pamela O’Sullivan, 27, tallied a time of 1:24:02.15 for top honors in the women’s race.

The event was as much a victory for local veterans, with about $100,000 and counting being raised. All net proceeds from the race went to assisting local veterans, a cause near and dear to the heart of Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone, who served in the Army from 1992-94.

“That’s always been important to me,” Bellone, who ran the marathon in 4:42:51.84, said. “As a public official, I’ve been very involved in raising money for veterans groups like Wounded Warriors and Hope for the Warriors. When we decided to put this event together, almost instantly, I said, ‘if we do it, I’d really like for this to be dedicated to local veterans with 100 percent of the net proceeds going to our local guys, our friends and neighbors who need our help.”

Suffolk County scored as well, bringing runners from more than 30 states and four countries and their families coming to the South Shore. The marathon took athletes from Heckscher State Park to the Patchogue’s Main Street and back again, and the half marathon began and ended at Heckscher State Park with the St. John’s University campus in Oakdale serving as the turnaround. Afterwards, runners were able to enjoy free tastings of everything from brews from Saint James Brewery to Davis Peach Farms produce at Taste of Long Island Festival.

“We’ve brought together our agriculture communities, the wine community, the craft beers,” Bellone said. “All of this amazing stuff that happens right here on Long Island is being showcased.” Suffolk County Suffolk County

A day at the races by Linda Leuzzi September 17, 2015

The spectators were there on Sunday with flags, thunder- “I’m sore,” admitted Famiglietti back home in Mooresville, N.C. Famiglietti basically leaped on his plane to return home that sticks and red poppies. Martin and Susanna Sic from the day at 3 p.m., he said. “I looked back at my training and I was only doing 49 miles a week at most, so to run as aggressively as Czech Republic, who were staying with their friend Joseph I did surprised me, but I’m paying for it. My mom wanted me to do that race and she enjoyed it, so that was cool.” Mom and sis Kapsa, who lives in Riverwalk, came, too. were at the 6.5-mile mark cheering.

“We went to the Empire State Building, but they said, ‘no, Famiglietti, who coaches students at Pine Lake Prep School, a charter school, said his charges were excited. It was an example you must come to Patchogue Village for the marathon,’” for them. “I’m an old man,” he joked, “and they only have to run three miles.” joked Martin Sic, who was on vacation with his wife. Famiglietti spent lasts Friday and Saturday night with his old coach, Frank Oliva of Bayport. “He’s excited I was coaching,” he And they came early. Tommy Finn was sitting at the Village said of his mentor. “ Michele [Kelly of East Patchogue] did well. She ran really evenly.” Idiot Pub eating skirt steak and spinach a little after 7 a.m. Martin and Susanna Sic from the Czech Republic joined their friend Joseph He was aiming to watch the runners, but as for his own Kapsa from Patchogue Village to watch the Suffolk County Marathon. Sayville Running Club owner and local Brendan Barrett, who came in seventh, ran it in 2:57; it was his fourth marathon. He’s training, “this is my gym,” he quipped. already done marathons in Chicago, New York and Philadelphia. “Heading into the Four Corners was a ton of excitement and going through the downtowns was the best part of the race,” he said, adding his Sayville contingency blew him away. “It always Later on, Jim and Roseann Naples from Center Moriches helps when you see someone you know.” caught breakfast there; they came to cheer son Joseph Naples. “He’s in the Army Reserves and is running for the veterans,” said dad Jim. More than $100,000 was raised, said county spokesperson Vanessa Baird-Streeter; veterans groups will be able to apply for grants.

Briarcliffe College staffers were stationed just a short distance away from Patchogue-Medford Youth and Community Services, Greater Patchogue Chamber of Commerce executive director David Kennedy, who was mostly based at the Capital One Plaza, young people who were handing out water. Patchogue-Medford High School student Melissa Bozok “came down to help out and said for a first-time event, he was pleased with the amount of people who came to cheer the runners. to do community service.” He shared an anecdote. “The Manhattan Dolls seemed to pump them up,” he said. “As they were passing, a lot of runners took the About 30 St. Joseph’s College students revved up the runners as they turned off Main Street to South Ocean Avenue by Church time to do a little pirouette or waved. It was nicely spread out from the Farmers Market to the Four Corners, down South Ocean Street before turning left onto Terry Street. The Four Hour Tour band in front of Wallen’s Organic Market rocked it. The Artsapce Avenue and Terry Street and back to Main Street past Capital One.” contingency shouted “Victory!” There were no incidents to speak of, just some backups on West Avenue as police stopped traffic to let runners go by. American Legion Post 269 member Tom Bergin, with his group stationed by O’Neill’s Exchange on the Four Corners across from AmVets Post 111 members, got a high-five from one of the marathoners; another runner said “thank you” and still another, the “By 12:30 the last runner had come through town and East Main Street opened up,” said Kennedy. “It was a very inspiring day.” Pledge of Allegiance.

There were a total of 3,503 registrants: 942 full marathoners, 2,561 half marathoners.

The male and female winners of the full marathon were: Chau Zhou, New York City, 2:46:50; Caroline Levesque, Rhode Island, 3:12:02.

The wheelchair division winner was Peter Hawkins, Malverne, 2:13.

The male and female winners of the half marathon were: Anthony Famiglietti, North Carolina, 1:07:35; Pamela O’Sullivan, Babylon, 1:24:02. The male and female winners in the veterans division: Sean Dowling, Sayville, 3:25:28.5; Jennifer Coon, Massachusetts, 5:41:10.6. The male winner of the active duty military category was: Timothy O’Connor, Maryland, 3:11:42.3. Suffolk County

Runners compete in the first ever Suffolk County marathon Runners from 22 states participate in the inaugural event

September 13, 2015 8:30 AM

Reported By Cecilia Dowd Suffolk County Suffolk County

Social Photos: Suffolk County Marathon

The first Suffolk County Marathon Sunday was a resounding success, raising more than $100,000 for veteran services. by Ryan Bonner September 13, 2015

The first Suffolk County Marathon held Sunday was a resounding success, with nearly 4,000 runners taking part helping to raise more than $100,000 for veteran services in the county.

The marathon began at Heckscher State Park Sunday morning and took runners through downtowns in Oakdale, Sayville, Bay- port, Blue Point and Patchogue before they turned back toward the finish line at Heckscher.

Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone, who ran the race himself and spearheaded the effort to bring a marathon to the county, said on his Facebook page that “the outpouring of support from residents along the race route in the Oakdale, Sayville, Bayport, Blue Point and Patchogue communities was astounding.”

“The Suffolk County community - home to the largest veteran population of any county in New York state - showed today that we support our troops and veterans,” Bellone added.

Find marathon and half-marathon results here and check out some photos from the race shared on social media below. Suffolk County Suffolk County

Suffolk Hosts Inaugural Suffolk County Marathon And Half Marathon To Support Local Kristin Venendaal: I just wanted to say thanks for the great race!!! It was a great and scenic course! Loved it!!! Everything was Veterans so organized and the volunteers were amazing! I will be doing this one every year. And thank you to all the veterans and service men and women. I had the opportunity to thank a few, but glad this was set up for such a good cause. September 16, 2015 The races included a special veteran’s category for all active military and retired veterans as well as a handicap accessible com- Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone announced today that more than 3,500 runners from twenty five states and four countries ponent. participated in the Inaugural Suffolk County Marathon & Half Marathon to Support Our Veterans. All net proceeds generated from the event will go directly to veteran service organizations in Suffolk County. The marathon route took runners along the scenic Great South Bay, starting and ending in Heckscher State Park. Participants ran though Suffolk’s downtowns, including Oakdale, Sayville, Patchogue, Blue Point and Bayport where they were cheered on by The male and female winner of the full Marathon were: Chau Zhou, NYC-2:46:50, Caroline Levesque, Rhode Island-3:12:02. thousands of onlookers at watch parties, restaurants and local business along the route.

The wheelchair division winner: Peter Hawkins, Malverne-2:13 The Suffolk County Department of Economic Development estimated that the per capita revenue generated from the event was The male and female winner of the half marathon were: Anthony Famiglietti, North Carolina-1:07:35, Pamela O’Sullivan, Bab- nearly $8 million towards the region. ylon-1:24:02. “We wanted to make this a destination marathon and take this opportunity to highlight our downtowns while boosting the local The male and female winners in the Veterans Division: Sean Dowling, Sayville-3:25:28.5, Jennifer Coon, Massachusetts-5:41:10.6 economies,” added County Executive Bellone. “We worked with our local chambers of commerce and local business leaders to organize and provide viewing parties and various events in order to enhance the ultimate marathon experience for our spectators The male winner of the Active Duty Military category was: Timothy O’Connor, Maryland-3:11:42.3 and visitors.”

Among those who completed the half marathon were two veterans in their 80s: 84-year-old Howard Kestenbaum of Plainview The Suffolk County Marathon was the second marathon County Executive Bellone ran in the past 10 months, including the 2014 and 82-year-old Harold Daus of Terryville. New York City Marathon. The County Executive’s participation was inspired by his commitment to live a healthier lifestyle, which includes a 69 pound weight loss since 2013. Along with raising funds for the veterans, the Suffolk County Marathon was a qualifier for the 2016 Marathon. Sunday’s race was held on the last day for most registrants who want to quality for the world-renowned race. A Taste of Long Island Festival was also held at Heckscher State park in conjunction with the marathon to highlight the region’s local businesses, such as local craft breweries, award winning wines, and local eateries and produce. The Taste of Long Island “On behalf of our 1.5 million residents in Suffolk County, we are forever grateful for the commitment and sacrifices that our vet- Festival was made possible with the support and partnership with New York State, the Long Island Farm Bureau, the Long Island erans and active service men and women make every day to protect our freedom,” said Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone. Music Hall of Fame, Project 9 Line and Cornell Cooperative Extension. “Expanding and enhancing services for our heroes when they return home is vital, that is why we were here today and that is why every dollar of the proceeds from the event will go towards doing exactly that. It was an absolute privilege to run my second In addition, through the efforts of the Long Island Music Hall of Fame and the nonprofit veterans’ organization Project 9 Line, marathon alongside with these heroes and supporters as we helped the veterans in our community with each step we took.” live music was performed throughout the event with the assistance of Don Audio. Most bands featured musicians who are United States Veterans, including Vince Martell and His Band of Brothers (Formally of Vanilla Fudge). Posted comments about the marathon: Tom Alfano: This event was awesome! I live south of Montauk in Oakdale and it wasn’t a bother not being able to drive, in fact The Suffolk County Marathon and Half Marathon additionally is part of the 2015 Suffolk County Veterans Running Series, a it was a great excuse to have a lazy Sunday. Events like this have a direct positive impact on the quality of life here in Suffolk series of local races throughout the County that will raise additional funds for veterans causes. and raised money for our Veterans!! The previous races included the Annual Cpl. Christopher G. Scherer “I DID THE GRID” Run/Walk, Navy SEAL Michael Mur- Marie Trav: I have to say, if I didn’t know yesterday’s event was an inaugural race, I wouldn’t have known! Everything was very phy 4-Mile Run Around the Lake, Oakdale Chamber of Commerce Firecracker 5 and Cow Harbor Warriors Captain Joseph J. well organized, the distance between the water stations was perfect, the aid stations were well placed as well, and everything went Boccia Jr. USMC 4-Mile Warrior Run. The last race of the series will be the 8th Annual Long Island Run for the Warriors in very smoothly! My only problem with yesterday was the weather which, let’s be honest, we have zero control over. Fantastic Lindenhurst on November 7. event, can’t wait to do it again next year! Sponsors of the Inaugural Suffolk County Marathon and Half Marathon to Support Our Veterans Linda Valdez: It was both a privilege and a pleasure to participate in this inaugural event! The race was well run, the course include but are not limited to: Presenting Sponsors-NS-LIJ Health Systems, Distinguished Sponsors: St. Joseph’s College, Canon was great, and the benefit to our veterans made the run even sweeter! Thank you Suffolk County Executive Steven Bellone, the USA, Catholic Health Services, Bethpage Federal Credit Union, WBAB/WBLI, Blue Point Brewery, PSEG Long Island, Co- Suffolk County Legislature, GLIRC, and all the first responders and others, for making this event possible! I’m looking forward ca-Cola, QuickChek and NBTY. to next year! Suffolk County

Suffolk County Marathon Raised $160,000 for Local Veteran Organizations

September 22, 2015

Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone was joined by marathon sponsors, various local veteran organizations and local officials to announce that funds were raised for veteran services through the Suffolk County Marathon and Half Marathon held on Sunday, September 13.

“On behalf of our 1.5 million residents in Suffolk County, I am happy to announce that the Inaugural Suffolk County Marathon raised over $160,000 for veteran organizations,” said County Executive Steve Bellone. “These funds will go a long way in ex- panding and enhancing services for our veterans.

Legislation will be laid on the table to create a marathon funding advisory board who will be tasked with reviewing applications and awarding funding to veteran organizations who serve Suffolk County veterans. Suffolk County

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A marathon for Suffolk County

By: Brendan Barrett

October 6, 2014

I had a very cool opportunity today to speak on behalf of the local running community at the announcement of the Suffolk County Marathon for Vet- erans, a marathon and half-marathon road race being organized in 2015 by County Executive Steve Bellone and his office.

The race is being billed as an opportunity to showcase Suffolk County to the rest of the country while offering locals a health and fitness opportu- nity in their own backyard.

The race will start and end at Hecksher State Park and follows a course along that is as beautiful as it is fast. The course winds its way along Montauk Highway through several South Shore hamlets and villages to Patchogue, providing many scenic views of the Great South Bay along the way. The hope is that local chambers of commerce will organize viewing parties in each location, with spectators cheering on participants as they run through the various downtowns. A post-race party is being planned at the finish for participants, which will highlight local foods, beers, wines and music.

It’s also planned that the race will be a “Boston Qualifier,” meaning par- ticipants can use their time from this race to enter the prestigious – a big drawing point for competitive runners. It might even gain some traction as a “last chance qualifier” marathon, given its timing of mid-September, which is usually right before registration for Boston opens. The fact that the course features few turns and minor elevation Brendan speaking at the press conference announcing changes should make it fast, and a likely candidate for someone trying to County Executive Steve Bellone’s Suffolk County Mara- run a quick time. thon and Half Marathon for Veterans

As a runner, and a small business owner along the race course, I couldn’t be more excited. If the race turns out as good as the vision makes it seem, I could really see this race becoming a major event with a local, regional and maybe one day a national following. Done well, it has all the trappings of what you’d want from a good marathon. Now if you’ll excuse me, I have to go for a run. I’ve got a marathon to train for. Suffolk County

Suffolk County to launch first marathon

26-mile run would start and finish in East Islip

By Barbara Donlon October 09, 2014 | 12:08 PM

Suffolk County’s first marathon is set to take place on Sept. 13, 2015, County Executive Steve Bellone announced this week.

The inaugural marathon will start and finish at Heckscher State Park in East Islip and run along South Shore downtowns. There will be a festival to celebrate the end of the marathon at the state park. Above, a scene from this year’s Great Cow Harbor 10K Run, held in Northport. Suffolk County plans to launch its own marathon “The Suffolk County marathon is a mechanism to highlight the next year. File photo by Mark D’Angio incredible communities, natural resources and businesses we have here in Suffolk County,” Bellone said in a press release.

The 26-mile race will be a qualifier for the famous Boston Marathon and it is expected to generate about $8 million in economic stimulus to the county, according to the county’s economic development department’s estimates. It’s based on the race attracting 4,000 participants

The event is cost-neutral, as race fees and sponsorships will cover all expenses, according to the county executive’s office. The funds raised from the event will be donated to veteran organizations across the county.

“We expect it to be a destination marathon,” Bellone said in a teleconference Wednesday.

The county executive said he plans to run in the marathon. He also said he will be running his first marathon, the TCS New York City Marathon, next month. During the NYC marathon, Bellone, along with a team of runners, will be wearing shirts to promote the county’s first marathon.

“We are really excited about this,” he said. “We think it is great. We believe this is something that will grow and become a suc- cess.”

Bellone also spoke about the county’s new “Healthy Suffolk” campaign, which focuses on active living and eating smart. The county plans to improve the health and well-being of its communities through educational programs and outreach efforts that are geared toward adopting and maintaining a healthy lifestyle, according to the county executive’s office.

Bellone spoke highly about healthy living. He even spoke about his own new health goals and reflected on the weight he has lost. Bellone said he lost about 50 to 60 pounds over four months and credits the weight loss to healthier eating, portion control and exercise. Suffolk County

Suffolk County to host its first-ever marathon

The 26-mile endurance test is scheduled for Sept. 13, 2015

Amanda VanAllen

Oct 6, 2014, 6:13 pm Suffolk County Suffolk County

Bellone Announces Suffolk County’s Inaugural Marathon Published: December 11 2014 County Executive Bellone also introduced the County’s new ‘Healthy Suffolk’ campaign, which encourages residents to Live Marathon to support local veteran organizations & local businesses. Well, Be Active and Eat Smart. The campaign is to remind the public that healthy living is different for each individual, but is designed to help keep health and wellness on the forefront of people’s minds. Healthy Suffolk will also increase access and raise East Islip, NY - December 11, 2014 - County Executive awareness of County public health efforts. Steve Bellone joined state and local officials, chambers of commerce, members of the running community, and Yan Baczkowski, president of the Long Island Visitors and Convention Bureau, added “this type of event will increase tourism to local veterans to announce that Suffolk County will host Suffolk’s beautiful downtowns and is exactly what we need to ensure our local economy continues to grow.” its inaugural marathon September 13, 2015. Through sponsorship and entry fees, the marathon is designed to not only be cost neutral but profits are expected. All profits will The marathon and half marathon are part of County’s new be donated to local Suffolk County veteran organizations. In addition, the marathon will have a special veteran’s race category. ‘Healthy Suffolk’ campaign – a region-wide initiative de- signed to encourage and assist residents live healthy and “We are proud County Executive Bellone continues to find creative ways to support local veterans,” said Tom Ronayne, Suffolk active lives. County Director of Veteran Services. “We are looking forward to working with race organizers so that our veteran population has all the information they need to know for this event.” “The Suffolk County marathon is a mechanism to high- light the incredible communities, natural resources and “This marathon route is well-thought out and the running community is looking forward to a great race,” said Brendan Barrett of businesses we have here in Suffolk County,” said Coun- Sayville Running Company. “We thank the County Executive for launching this event and will support the race in any way we ty Executive Steve Bellone. “Suffolk County is a world can.” renowned destination. From the Hamptons to our wine country to our amazing downtowns and world class Suffolk County’s Department of Economic Development studied the per capita revenue generated per race participant of other beaches, we are a destination for tourism, businesses, recreation, and living. Our marathon will give us an opportunity to show- well-known marathon events and as a result Suffolk County Marathon to generate $7.9 million (based on 4,000 participants). case all of that.” The course will start at the entrance to Heckscher State Park, go north to Montauk Highway and head east. It will loop through St. The County Executive will participate in Suffolk County’s inaugural marathon and in addition will be running the New York City John’s University and past the historic Bourne Mansion before continuing along to downtown Patchogue. After looping around marathon this year in support of the Hope for the Warriors Foundation. downtown Patchogue, the runners will return to Heckscher State Park via Montauk Highway. There will be designated cheering sections in Oakdale, Sayville, Bayport, Blue Point, and Patchogue with live music and entertainment. The marathon has a distinctly planned route that was designed to showcase and drive tourism towards downtowns along the Great South Bay. The race, which is a Boston Marathon qualifier, will begin and end at Heckscher State Park in East Islip with For more information on Suffolk County’s inaugural marathon as well as the Healthy Suffolk campaign, visit the website. a Taste of Long Island wine and food festival to end race festivities. Suffolk County has partnered with New York State for race coordination and planning.

“We are proud to work alongside Suffolk County to make certain the inaugural marathon is a success,” said Wayne Horsely, Long Island Director of New York State Parks & Recreation. “This really is a great opportunity to highlight the beautiful Heckscher State Park and we look forward to welcoming the thousands of race participants and supporters.”

“The marathon will give the County the opportunity to shine a spotlight on our vibrant downtowns and give our local businesses a well needed boost,” said Deputy Presiding Officer, DuWayne Gregory. “We encourage all residents to cheer on the participants in the many spectator viewing parties that will line the marathon route.” Suffolk County Suffolk County

Inaugural Suffolk County Marathon the Sayville Running Company. “As a business owner, all of the stores here are equally as excited to have people hang out, shop And Half-Marathon Announced 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.” January 21, 2015 “We have some great downtowns here that are going benefit from seeing so many visitors. Not just the runners but the spectators County Executive Steve Bellone joined Suffolk County that are going to come along to watch the race and for such a great cause,” said Legislator Robert Calarco. Legislators Steve Stern, Kara Hahn, Bill Lindsay III, and Rob Calarco as well as local veterans, business “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 owners, members of the running community and the service men and women and to show our support for our veterans and their families,” said Legislator Steve Stern, chairman of Greater Long Island Running Club to announce that Veterans and Seniors committee. registration for the inaugural Suffolk County Mara- thon and Half Marathon is officially open to the public. “We are extremely excited for this event, and there are no better beneficiaries than these veterans groups,” said Legislator Bill Residents and visitors can register at SuffolkMarathon. Lindsay III. “There is an extreme amount of excitement throughout these communities, and we’re looking forward to inviting com. The race will be held on Sunday, September 13. people from around the world to attend.”

“We want to do something specifically for local vet- “As a legislator and a runner, I am very excited to have this marathon right here in our backyard while showcasing what our erans, and we know that every dollar that we are able downtowns have to offer,” said Legislator Kara Hahn. to donate and raise from the marathon will be going right back to the veterans in our community right here County Executive Bellone Opens Registration to the Public at the Sayville in Suffolk County,” said County Executive Steve Bel- Running Company along side veterans and members of the running commu- nity. Photo Credit: Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone’s office lone. “I encourage all residents to get involved in the marathon. There are many ways participate besides, in- cluding volunteering opportunities and cheering on the runners on race day.”

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.”

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.”

County Executive 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.

“As a runner, I am really excited of something of this magnitude happening on our home turf,” said Brendan Barrett, co-owner of Suffolk County

Registration opens for Suffolk County Marathon

January 20, 2015 3:19 PM

WOODBURY - Registration is now open for the inaugural Suffolk County Marathon.

The registration was launched at the Sayville Running Company on Tuesday.

Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone was one of the first to register for the event.

The money from the marathon goes to local veterans.

The marathon will be held on Sunday, Sept. 13. Officials are hoping to raise at least $8 million. Suffolk County

Suffolk County announces new marathon designed to help veterans

Inaugural Suffolk County Marathon for Veterans kicks off on September 13; all proceeds will go to former service members

Kevin Vesey

Jan 20, 2015 Suffolk County

Inaugural Suffolk County Marathon registration opens up by Joseph Pinciaro

Ready. Set. Register!

It might not have the same ring as ‘go!’ but the gates are now open to sign up for the inaugural Suffolk County Marathon, slated to kick off in nine months at East Islip’s Heckscher State Park.

Scheduled for Sept. 13, this leaves you plenty of time to train for the race, which also has a half-mar- athon option.

The marathon will serve as a qualifier for the Bos- ton Marathon, meaning runners who meet certain age and time requirements would be eligible for the esteemed race if they hit their marks. The Suffolk County Marathon will serve as a qualifier for the Boston Marathon. Race organizers are expecting to draw about 4,000 Credit: Courtesy County Executive Steve Bellone’s Office runners to the race, proceeds from which will ben- efit veterans groups on Long Island.

County Executive Steve Bellone’s office described the route as follows: “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 cost to enter the marathon, if you register before May 12, is $69 for civilians and $54 for veterans. Half marathon entries will run $59 and $44. Final registration deadline is Sept. 1.

Visit SuffolkMarathon.com to enter. Suffolk County Suffolk County

Residents Invited to Run Suffolk Marathon County officials noted all net proceeds will help to expand and enhance veteran services in Suffolk County. Registration Opens for Sept. 13 races. “The support from the leadership from this County, local business and community is truly what makes [Suffolk] County great,” January 24, 2015 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. 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 “We have some great downtowns here that are going benefit from seeing so many visitors. Not just the runners but the spectators Half Marathon is officially open to the public. that are going to come along to watch the race and for such a great cause,” said Legislator Robert Calarco.

Residents and visitors can register at SuffolkMarathon.com. The race will be held on Sunday, September 13. For more information, visit SuffolkMarathon.com or Facebook.com/stevebellone.

“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.” Posted on the following Patch sites: Babylon Village, Bethesda-Chevy Chase (MD), Commack, Danbury (CT), Deer Park-North Bab- The Suffolk County Marathon and Half Marathon is a scenic course that will begin at Heckscher State Park and wind through the ylon, East Hampton, Farmingdale, Glen Cove, Half Hollow Hills, Hauppauge, Hopatcong-Sparta vibrant downtowns of Oakdale, Sayville, Bayport, Blue Point and Patchogue. The marathon is designated as a Boston Marathon (NJ), Huntington, Lindenhurst, Long Beach, Malverne-Lynbrook, Massapequa, Miller Place-Rocky qualifier. Point, New London (CT), Newark (NJ), North Fork, Northport, Oyster Bay, Patchogue, Pearl Riv- “I’d like to thank the County Executive for setting such a good example of fitness,” said Linda Ottaviano from the Greater Long er, Plainview, Riverhead, Sachem, Sayville, Smithtown, Southampton, Stamford (CT), Three Village, Island Running Club who will be facilitating race management for the event. “We are really looking forward to organizing this Westhampton-Hampton Bays, West Hartford (CT), West Islip, White Plains race.”