Megan Long Goes for Her First Full Marathon

Huntington resident Megan Long will go for her first marathon when the Suffolk race rolls around in September.

The 26-year-old said she has been distance racing all her life. “It has been a life goal to run a marathon. When I found out there wasgoing to be a Suffolk County Marathon, I knew it was a sign, that I was supposed to run my first marathon in MY county,” she said.

The Sept. 13 half and full marathons will start and end at Heckscher State Park.

Suffolk County’s inaugural marathon and half marathon, are part of the county’s new ‘Healthy Suffolk’campaign – a region-wide initiative designed to encourage and assist residents live healthy and active lives. The races will also benefit veterans’ causes.

“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. “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.”

The marathon has a distinctly planned route that was designed to showcase and drive tourism toward 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 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.

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