Suffolk Marathon Draws Giselle Gerardi

Giselle Gerardi will add the Suffolk Marathon and Half Marathon to Support Our Veterans to her list of running accomplishments come September.

The inaugural Suffolk County run is scheduled September 13 and 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.

“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.”

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

“I am looking forward to running in the Suffolk County Full marathon. I have had the great opportunity to run the NYC marathon both as a runner in 2013 and as a guide for a blind runner through Achilles International last year,” she said. “I have also run the Rock and Roll DC Marathon and the Marine Corps Marathon. In addition to marathons, I have completed several half marathons through NYC.

“ I love running because although it can be an individual activity, and that group energy is what drives me through the race. I am also addicted to that sensation you get when crossing the finish line. I use the course to distract me from the obstacles of the race and it will be so great to draw my inspiration from the familiar terrain that I call home as well as the cheers from neighbors, friends and family.”

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