John Fischer Running Suffolk County (NY) Marathon

John Fischer of Weymouth will be preparing for the Boston Marathon by running in the Suffolk County, NY, Marathon on Oct. 29.

Net proceeds from the Long Island race support organizations assisting local veterans. More than $300,000 has already been contributed from the two previous races.

“I had signed up for the Suffolk County Marathon with my running partner Erika with the goal of us both qualifying for Boston. Erika has qualified for and run Boston before, but this would be my first time. Erika recently had to back out due to an injury, but she is committed to returning next spring to qualify herself in a different marathon," Fischer said.

"So I will be running on my own, but still with the same goal to qualify for Boston for the first time! At this stage of my running journey, this has become my Ultimate Goal! I write a blog which tells the story of my running journey at https://10kandbeyond.wordpress.com/"

The Suffolk marathon includes a full and a half marathon, a 5k run/walk and a newly added four-person marathon relay race. The race is accompanied by the FreedomFest: Taste of Long Island festival that features local foods, wines and craft beers, as well as music and other entertainment.

The Catholic Health Services third annual race is set for Oct. 29 in Patchogue, NY. For more information, see suffolkmarathon.com or facebook.com/suffolkmarathon