South Huntington Runner Returns to Suffolk County Race

Gigi Becker of South Huntington will be returning for her third half marathon run at the Suffolk County Marathon on Oct. 29 in Patchogue.

The third annual Catholic Health Services Suffolk Marathon, Half Marathon and 5k will expand to include a four-member marathon relay team option this year.

The races support organizations serving veterans living in Suffolk County. The race is also a qualifier for the 2019 Boston Marathon.

“I started running 5 years ago because I was overweight and getting older,” Becker said. “I knew I needed to do something since I was no longer skating on a roller derby team and that was my only physical activity. So I started signing up for a 5k run/walk just about every weekend and that progressed to 10ks, then half marathons and marathons. I have now run in over 310 races since I started. Races keep me moving.

“I run as part of Team Chris and with them I feel like I am using my running not only to better myself but to help our troops and veterans with the efforts put forth by Team Chris.”

The 2016 race, with 2,677 registered runners, raised $140,000 for veterans’ organizations.

“This event is a great opportunity to support the veterans who have sacrificed so much to our community,” the County Executive said. “Because of these races, we are able to bring a spotlight onto their contributions and raise funds that will provide services for veterans in need.”

The race will also feature a GPS application that will allow people to track the progress of their favorite runners. The new relay race will be made up of four-member teams running the full marathon.

A Freedom Fest, featuring musical entertainment, and the Taste of Long Island Festival, featuring foods, wines and beers from Long Island, will follow the start of the race.

“Catholic Health Services (CHS) is proud once again to be the Medal of Honor Title Sponsor for the 3rd Annual Catholic Health Services Suffolk County Marathon and partner with Suffolk County, Hunter EMS and Progressive Emergency Physicians to provide race medicine for this landmark event,” said CHS President & CEO Alan Guerci, MD. “More importantly, CHS is proud to continue its support of Suffolk County’s veterans.”

A number of individuals and teams raised funds for other good causes, running with the support of sponsors. Among them was Matt Harbin of Kings Park, who raised $1,500 for research on Epidermolyis Bullosa, a group of inherited connective tissue diseases that cause severe blisters in the skin. Other teams raised funds for a nursing scholarship, to support organ transplant recipients and anti-drunk driving efforts. “Thank you to the Suffolk County Marathon for having such a great platform for individuals to do their part in making a difference,” Harbin said. “I look forward to participating in this year’s race as well.”

“We are excited to be part of the Suffolk County Marathon 2017 kickoff,” said Dori Scofield of Paws of War, which received a grant from the 2015 race. “The funds we received will support local veterans and dogs in training at Paws of War.”

The marathon course will again begin in Patchogue Village and pass through the heart of the downtowns of Bayport, Sayville, Blue Point and Heckscher State Park, and finish back in Patchogue Village in order to provide more water and scenic views. Race organizers will work with local businesses, civic associations and chambers of commerce to organize watch parties and events along the route.

“We’re really looking forward to promoting the Catholic Health Services’ 3rd Annual Suffolk County Marathon and Freedom Fest,” said Discover Long Island President & CEO, Kristen Jarnagin. “Not only does this event bring in many out-of-state visitors to enjoy all our island has to offer, but it also encourages locals to get out and experience home-grown flavors and fare. Anytime an event can draw a crowd from both near and far, it’s a win for the region.”

The race will also have a special veterans category for all active military, reserve and retired veterans.

Runners who can’t make it to the race are invited to sign up as virtual run participants, eligible for t-shirts and medals.

The marathon is also part of the Long Island Track & Field Grand Prix Race series. All members of LITF are eligible to participate on an individual basis and are awarded points according to how high their score is in their age group. They are also eligible to participate as part of a LITF registered team. Top finishers are awarded merchandise prizes. The half marathon is an individual race and the Marathon is a team race.

For more information about the race, see http://www.suffolkmarathon.com