Theo Kountotsis to Add Suffolk Race to Accomplishments

Theo Kountotsis will add at least one more half marathon to his total when he joins thousands of others running in the inaugural Suffolk County Marathon and Half Marathon in Support of Veterans on Sept. 13.

The Melville resident is 38 and has run sixth half marathons. “I started running more seriously and consistently at the beginning of 2013, just to be healthy and further challenge myself,” he said.

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.

It 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 and highlight local craft breweries, award-winning wines, and local food and produce. Free tastings will be given to all race participants. Suffolk County has partnered with New York State to host this inaugural event. The festival will also feature live musical entertainment.

The Taste of Long Island Festival is being made possible with the support and partnership with New York State, the Suffolk County Restaurant and Tavern Association, the Long Island Wine Council, and the Long Island Farm Bureau.

“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. Runners from around Long Island and beyond are participating, including wheelchair and hand cycle competitors, veterans and supporters of veterans, as well as many others eager to enjoy Suffolk’s natural beauty and participate in the inaugural race.

“ I already ran a Queens Half this year, and will also run the Long Island (Nassau) Half in May,” he said. “I feel that as a society we don’t do enough for our veterans who have given so much for us. It would be an honor to run this event to raise funds, as well as to show our appreciation and gratitude for our veterans. I hope this small contribution can go a long way. Our veterans need to know that we do care about them!“

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