West Islip Runner to Take On First Suffolk Marathon

When the inaugural Suffolk marathon and half marathons get underway on Sunday, September 13, among the runners will be Nash Birnholz of West Islip.

The race will be the third marathon in 15 years for Birnholz, who also has run five half marathons.

“ I wanted to be a part of the start of something that is going to be a piece of what Suffolk is,” the 37-year-old man said.

The marathon and half marathon are part of Suffolk 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.