Loraine McCray Steps Up to Half-Marathon Challenge

Loraine Richardson McCray will be adding the Suffolk Marathon and Half Marathon to Support Our Veterans to her accomplishments this fall.

The East Patchogue resident said she has run dozens of 5k’s, four 10k’s, Two 15K’s and three half marathons since joining Black Girls Run.

“I became interested in walking and jogging by joining Black Girls Run,” she said. “I was mainly interested in losing weight, but through my time with these remarkable women, I have learned to pursue a healthier lifestyle. It’s more than just losing weight (which I have lost over 30 pounds), but it’s all about living life and loving the skin I’m in and developing a positive attitude about my life. I’m glad I pushed myself and joined BGR because I would never have believed I could ever complete a 13.1 mile race! Now I’ve completed at least three official races. I walk everyday at least 11,000 - 13,000 steps. I enjoy meeting my goals and then surpassing them.”

The inaugural Suffolk County Marathon & Half Marathon in Support of Veterans is scheduled September 13.

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 marathon has 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