The Lake Ronkonkoma community will come together again this Saturday, June 24, to host its annual Lieutenant Michael P. Murphy Run Around the Lake. This Long Island famous event supports Veteran organizations such as the Lt. Michael P. Murphy Memorial Scholarship Foundation, the Lone Survivor Foundation, the Ronkonkoma Rotary Club, the Lt. Michael P. Murphy Navy Seal Museum and the Navy Seal Foundation.
The race itself began in 1980, and was started by the Ronkonkoma Rotary. That first year, about 35 individuals participated. Since then, the event has grown an overwhelming amount. By the early 1990s, around 750 participants were recorded. At the time, the event was the only 4-mile race on Long Island.
In 2012, Dan Murphy approached the Ronkonkoma Rotary and asked if they would consider collaborating with the Michael Murphy Foundation. In this case, the race would be used to honor his son, Navy SEAL Lt. Michael P. Murphy, and all the men who perished in Operation Red Wings.
Yes, we honor Michael P. Murphy as a local hero, but he is a national hero as well. Born and raised on Long Island, Michael P. Murphy was a lifeguard for the Town of Brookhaven at Lake Ronkonkoma. Michael went on to graduate from Penn State University with Honors and joined the Navy SEALS.
When he was 29 years old, Lt. Murphy perished, along with 19 others who were a part of Operation Red Wings, a special reconnaissance unit that was pursuing a high-level terrorist on June 28, 2005. On a mountainous terrain along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border, Lt. Murphy, along with the 19 other SEALS, perished from a barrage of bullets from the enemy.
Lt. Murphy was posthumously awarded The Medal of Honor, the Silver Star, the Purple Heart, the Combat Action Ribbon and the Afghanistan Medal. Their heroic story is beautifully depicted in the 2013 American biographical war film, Lone Survivor.
In 2012, actor Taylor Kitsch, who played Murphy in Lone Survivor, participated in the race.
Now, the race continues to grow in numbers (reaching over 5,000 people), and also in race options. There is a 4-mile run, a half marathon, a fun run option, and of course, a virtual option. Those who signed up early will be eligible for merch such as T-shirts, dog tags and tote bags.
On Thursday, June 22, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., Saint Joseph’s, located at 25 Church Street in Ronkonkoma, will host a Pasta Dinner in Carew Hall. Pasta will be provided by Windows on the Lake, as it has been for many years.
The big day is almost here. Shuttle bus service will be available for racers from the Ronkonkoma Train Station. At 7 a.m., the half marathon will start. Next, the Fun Run will take place at 8:30 a.m. At 9 a.m., the 4-Mile Run will begin.
This year’s Half Marathon will be part of the 2023 USATFLI Grand Prix Road Race Series, and also a Championship Race. Complimentary post-race refreshments will be provided by Windows on the Lake, along with a DJ to celebrate the day.
It isn’t too late to sign up. More information on how to partake is located on their website at runaroundthelake.com.
