Patchogue Native Will Run Suffolk Race

Rose Fava of Patchogue taking a shot at another half marathon when she hits the road at the Suffolk County Marathon on September 13.

Fave, 24, has previously run several 5Ks, the Spartan Race and More Fitness Women’s Half Marathon.

“As a Long Island native (born and raised!) I couldn’t think of a better place to run my first marathon,” she said. “It’s a complete bonus that I’ll be running through my hometown of Patchogue!”

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