Suffolk County NY – Suffolk County officials gathered at Gardiner County Park in West Bay Shore on Wednesday morning to recognize the recipients of the proceeds from the 2025 Suffolk County Catholic Health Marathon, announcing a record $141,114.69 in funding for Veterans’ organizations across the county.
The marathon, which has supported local Veterans since its inception in 2015, continues to provide critical resources for the more than 90,000 Veterans who call Suffolk County home. To date, the event has raised more than $1.2 million for Veterans’ services and organizations.
Marcelle Leis, director of the Suffolk County Veterans Service Agency, welcomed elected officials, sponsors and representatives from the 23 organizations receiving funds. She thanked Catholic Health, the marathon’s title sponsor, along with Suffolk County Parks, Suffolk Bus, I Run This Island Foundation, and the many volunteers who help make the annual event possible. She also noted that three organizations received marathon funding for the first time this year, expanding the event’s reach within the local Veterans community.
County Executive Ed Romaine (R-Center Moriches) praised the Veterans Service Agency, the Suffolk County Legislature, and everyone involved in organizing the marathon. He said the event not only provides runners with the opportunity to achieve personal goals but also directly benefits organizations that support Veterans throughout Suffolk County.
“The greatest run course goes over the Robert Moses Bridge,” Romaine said, encouraging residents to participate in this year’s event. “You not only run to do your best, but you run to support all these organizations that do such a great job for Suffolk County.”
Suffolk County Legislator Chad Lennon (C-Rocky Point), Chair of the Legislature’s Veterans Committee, challenged residents to help grow participation in this year’s marathon. After attracting just under 3,000 participants last year, he encouraged runners to recruit friends and family to reach 3,500 participants. He emphasized that every registration helps fund programs serving Veterans and their families.
Representing Catholic Health, Kevin Ferrarotti said the marathon is more than a race; it is a community effort that brings together healthcare providers, first responders, businesses, and residents in support of those who served the country. He reaffirmed Catholic Health’s commitment to caring for Veterans and highlighted the organization’s role in providing emergency medical coverage throughout marathon weekend.
Organizers also announced that registration for the 2026 Suffolk County Marathon Weekend, scheduled for October 17-18, is off to a strong start. A speaker from the I Run This Island
Foundation said registrations are tracking approximately 35% ahead of last year’s pace, putting the event on course to become the largest marathon weekend in its history and potentially generate even greater funding for Veterans’ organizations. Residents who are unable to participate as runners are encouraged to volunteer, as hundreds of volunteers are needed to support the event.
Registration and volunteer information is available at SuffolkCountyMarathon.com.
