Iris Greco Joins Suffolk Marathon Lineup

North Babylon resident Iris Greco is tackling the half marathon portion of the Suffolk County Marathon and Half Marathon in Support of Our Veterans on September 13.

The experienced runner, who has participated in races in Nassau County, Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan, the Bronx, Providence, R.I., and Disney World, said she is looking forward to a race closer to home.

“This year my daughter and I qualified for the New York City Marathon on November 1st. During the week my friends and I (three magnificent ladies) meet at 4:10 in the morning to get our run in before our work day begins,” she said. ”We run all year round and have even managed, with the exception of icy or extremely cold days, to run through this challenging winter season. I run because I love the challenge, the sense of community and especially because I am able. This year I am running in honor of my friend Terri who has been battling breast cancer. She inspires me!”

The races will raise funds to expand and enhance veterans’ services in Suffolk County. It also is a last-chance qualifier for the Boston marathon.

The inaugural Suffolk run will follow a distinctly planned route that was designed to showcase and drive tourism toward downtowns along the Great South Bay. The race will begin and end at Heckscher State Park in East Islip with a Taste of Long Island wine and food festival to end 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, tough mudder races and triathlons for years.

“The Suffolk County marathon is a mechanism to highlight the incredible communities, natural resources and businesses we have here in Suffolk County,” said County Executive Steve Bellone, who is also running the Suffolk marathon. “Suffolk County is a world renowned destination. From the Hamptons to our wine country to our amazing downtowns and world class beaches, we are a destination for tourism, businesses, recreation, and living. Our marathon will give us an opportunity to showcase all of that.”

To learn more about the Suffolk marathon or to register, visit http://www.suffolkmarathon.com or facebook.com/stevebellone