Michelle Labuski of Sound Beach is working on running her first marathon when the inaugural Suffolk marathon gets underway on Sunday, Sept. 13.
She ran her first 5k in 2012, adding a sprint triathlon in 2013 and two half marathons in 2014.
Her 11-year-old daughter has competed in several 5K races and triathlons
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“I am running Suffolk Marathon because it seems like the perfect marathon to be my first - and probably only - marathon,” she said. “I wanted to run the Suffolk marathon because it is local and scenic to help pass the time. It also allows spectators along the whole course to keep me going. My daughter competed in her first 5k and is also a triathlete now. She said, ‘Mom, I started when I was 10. I didn’t wait til my 40s like you did.‘ I am running the Suffolk Marathon so my daughter can see anything is possible.”
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 races will also benefit veterans’ causes.
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“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 marathon has a distinctly planned route that was designed to showcase and drive tourism towards downtowns along the Great South Bay. It starts and ends at Heckscher State Park.
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. The marathon is also a fundraiser for veterans’ causes.
To learn more about the Suffolk marathon or to register, visit http://www.suffolkmarathon.com or http://facebook.com/stevebellone