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We’ve compiled 10 bits of information that people should know for Sunday, Oct. 30, whether they’re looking to enjoy the marathon festivities along the South Shore, or just need to get around better.
• This is the second Suffolk County Marathon day, with proceeds going to help veterans living in the county. The event, which is run by the county, includes a marathon, half marathon, and a 5K race (new to this year).
• Last year’s races and festivities raised over $160,000 for local veterans.
• The first full marathon, which happened last year, started and ended in Heckscher State Park with the turnaround in Patchogue Village, but this year’s installment will begin and end in Patchogue Village, with the turnaround happening at Heckscher. The marathon does not travel west of the park.
(Road closures and suggested travel routes for motorists appear below.)
• The marathon and half marathon will start at 8 a.m., and the 5K will start at 8:15 a.m.
• Patchogue Village is also hosting the Freedom Festival on West Main Street, with 20 different bands performing on three stages starting at 9 a.m. Many of the musicians are vets. Freedom Fest also incorporates the Taste of Long Island Festival, which will feature local beer, wine and food — including a sneak peak from Local Burger Co., which is opening next year on West Main. This will all be happening between North Ocean and West avenues.
• Patchogue-Medford Library’s recently renovated Carnegie Library will be the staging area for some family throughout the day on the front lawn of the Carnegie Library at 160 West Main Street.
• St. Joseph’s College in Patchogue will be hosting a hydration station with staff, student, faculty and alumni volunteers at St. John’s Greek Church in Blue Point.
• Four biplanes from the Bayport Aerodrome will be flying over the course, honoring Mikey Brannigan for the gold medal he won at the Paralympics this summer, and Olympic racewalker Maria Michta-Coffey, who will be racewalking the half marathon.
• The marathon will have a special veterans race category for all active military and retired veterans, as well as “wounded warrior” and para-olympics components. All veterans and military personnel are receiving discounted registration fees.
• Below is a full account of road closures, which will start at 7 a.m. and run through 2 p.m., and suggested routes, from Great River to Patchogue. (Source: Suffolk County)
Closures:
– Montauk Highway (RT27A) between North Ocean Ave Patchogue and Connetquot Ave., Great River
– Exit 46A off Sunrise Highway (RT 27) for Montauk Highway, Oakdale
– Southbound Nicholls Road (CR97) will be closed south of Sunrise Highway (RT27) at Church Street, Bayport
– Southbound Broadway Ave., south of Sunrise Highway (RT27), Sayville
– Great River Road, closed south of Montauk Highway (RT27A). There will be limited access via Timber Point Road to local residents.
Alternate Routes available (expect delays):
Patchogue:
- North Ocean Avenue and South Ocean Avenue will remain open to traffic throughout the day, as will all roads east of Ocean Avenue.
- Areas of Patchogue west of South Ocean Avenue and south of Main Street can be accessed via side streets off South Ocean Avenue and Division Street
- Middle Road will be open
Bayport and Blue Point:
- Areas of Bayport/Blue Point south of Montauk Highway can be accessed via Middle Road
- Division Avenue, Gillette Avenue, and Bayport Avenue will serve as this region’s major crossing points
- James Wilson Young Middle School cut through between Barrett Avenue and Sylvan Avenue will be open
Sayville:
- Areas of Sayville south of Main Street can be accessed via Railroad Avenue, Gillette Avenue, and Greene Avenue
- Middle Road will be open throughout the day
West Sayville:
- Areas of West Sayville south of Montauk Highway can be accessed via Tyler Avenue and Atlantic Avenue
Oakdale:
- Areas of Oakdale south of Montauk Highway can be accessed via Oakdale/Bohemia Road, Bridle Way, and Franklin Avenue
For updates on road closures and other safety information in the area throughout race day, follow @SCPD3rdPrecinct and @SCPD5thPrecinct on Twitter or sign up for Nixle alerts for the SCPD’s Third Precinct and Fifth Precinct on www.SuffolkPD.org. More information about the Suffolk County Marathon, Half Marathon and 5K can be found at www.SuffolkMarathon.com.
Photo: The 2015 marathon makes its way down South Ocean Avenue. (file photo)
