The Long Island Marathon began in the 1970s, inviting runners from the tri-state area and across the country to participate in the event, which has grown to so much more than just a race of endurance. After growing with the addition of a half marathon followed by 10K race, 5K race, 1 mile run and Kids Fun Run, the Long Island Marathon now lasts an entire weekend. No matter your level of experience or athletic ability, everyone is invited to participate from May 5-7.
The weekend consists of a sports and fitness expo, 1 mile run, 5K race, 10K race, half marathon, marathon and the race day finish line festival.
For those planning to run and view the full and half marathon on Sunday, May 7, the race begins at 8 a.m. at Charles Lindbergh Blvd., Uniondale. The 26.2 miles of running will take runners through Nassau County landmarks including the Omni Building, Museum Row, the Mitchel Athletic Complex and Nassau Coliseum, culminating at the finish line of Eisenhower Park. Racers must be 16 years or older in order to participate and all runners will receive a participant gift bag, finisher medal and other memento.
Special awards will also be given to the top three overall finishers in the male, female and wheelchair categories as well as the top three of gender/age category ranging from male/female 16-20 to male/female 91 and older. Awards must be picked up on the day of the race and will not be mailed.
To help keep runners on track and inspired to make it to the end, forms of encouragement such as music and entertainment will be scattered throughout the course. Clocks will be placed at each mile and hydration stations will be located at every other mile.
For more information, visit www.run-li.com.
