St. James Native to Run Inaugural Suffolk Marathon

When the inaugural Suffolk marathon and half marathons get underway on Sunday, September 13, among the runners will be Mary Bohenek, a native of St. James.

Now a resident of Boston the 30-year-old Bohenek was a casual runner until last year when she began participating in competitive races.

She’s running the Suffolk half marathon, she said, because, “I grew up in St.James and all of my childhood, school age memories were made there. I have family across the Island and like most people, the community you grow up in, the place you call home (even after you move away), will always have special significance. To be able to participate in a race that links running to a location that’s a landmark in my life, I couldn’t turn it down. Plus, my Mom and my younger brothers will hopefully be out there to root me on!”

The marathon and half marathon are part of County’s new ‘Healthy Suffolk’ campaign – a region-wide initiative designed to encourage and assist residents live healthy and active lives.

“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 races will also benefit veterans’ causes. 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 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.