Sports
Olympian Race Walker Signs Up for Suffolk Half Marathon
Maria Michta-Coffey will be running Suffolk race on Oct. 30 in Patchogue
Olympian race walker Maria Michta-Coffey will be participating in the CHS Suffolk County Marathon, Half Marathon and 5k on Oct. 30 in Patchogue.
The Farmingville resident, who competed in the Rio Olympics this summer, is preparing for a national 30k race the following weekend.
"We are pleased to welcome Maria Michta-Coffey to the CHS Suffolk County Marathon, Half Marathon and 5k on Oct.30 in Patchogue. She race-walked in the Olympics this summer, and is preparing for the National 30k race the following weekend. It’s an honor to have an Olympian among those running to raise funds for Suffolk County veterans. Welcome, Maria!"
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The race is a fundraiser for Suffolk County veterans. Last year's race raised $160,000, which was distributed to 19 organizations serving Suffolk veterans. While net proceeds from the race go to veterans' causes, several teams are running to raise money or awareness for their own causes.
In addition, the county’s half marathon has been designated as international and national championships for the intellectually disabled.
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“We are pleased that our race will serve as an opportunity for all athletes to demonstrate their skills,” County Executive Bellone said. “An intellectual disability should never be a barrier to those wanting to enjoy participating in sports. We are thrilled that we will serve as a host to these two championships.”
The International Sports Federation for Persons with Intellectual Disability, known as INAS, has sanctioned the Suffolk Half Marathon as an international championship, and Athletes Without Limits has designated the race as its first-ever national championship.
Barry Holman, chairman of the board for Athletes Without Limits, said, “Athletes Without Limits and INAS are honored and excited to award the Suffolk County Half Marathon the US National Championship for athletes with an intellectual disability. We know the Suffolk County government and community are going to put on a fantastic event that will showcase the drive, talents and achievements of runners with an intellectual disability from the US and internationally.’’