Rhonda Cutter Goes for Second Half-Marathon

East Patchogue resident Rhonda Cutter will be running her second half marathon in September, among the thousands who will be participating in the inaugural Suffolk Marathon and Half Marathon in Support of Our Veterans.

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 and is scheduled September 13.

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.”

“I am running my 2nd half marathon for a few reasons,” Cutter said. “I am a retired NYPD detective & 9/11 first responder. I have been an on & off runner. I ran my first half marathon 9/2013 because I lost my older sister to cancer in 9/2009. Last January 29, 2014, loSt my Dad too!! I injured myself running last summer and hope to be 100 percent to run this second half marathon because it makes me feel alive for all those that aren’t and all those who can’t run!! I just want to be able to cross the finish line !! Thank you for your time!!! My first half I had a time in my head that I wanted to finish it by ...my official time was 2:30:20....I wanted to run it in 2:30 & I accomplished that goal ...this time I just want to finish it!!

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