Are you interested in running the Long Island Marathon? Get your road running juices bubbling when you participate in one of the country’s premier competitive races.
The 2011 event hits to the streets of East Meadow, Long Island, N.Y. at 8 a.m. Sunday, May 1.
Originally known as “Earth Day Marathon,” the event was renamed in 1978 and continues growing each and every year because it offers a competitive race in a popular New York City suburb that attracts worldwide runner participation.
Race History
The Long Island Marathon has grown since its inception in 1970 to become a highly competitive race that is certified and sanctioned by the US Track and Field (USATF) so all of this organization’s rules apply.
The first winner back in 1970 was Lou Calvano.
Last year’s winner, Dan McGrath of Lynbrook, N.Y., turned in a top time of 2:29:44. Coming in second was Ryan McGuire, Middleburg, Pa., with a time of 2:34:38 with third place secured by Jesus Dominguez who clocked a time of 2:37:35.
Lilia Britez, of the Bronx, took the women’s crown with a time of 3:20:20. Waves upon waves of runners hit the Nassau County streets competing in the 26.2 mile run under scorching suns where temperatures rose to the high 80s.
Race organizers diverted any runners not capable hitting the 10-mile mark in two hours, 18 minutes to the half-marathon course.
The race doctor, Edward Fryman, pulled together a 60-member volunteer crew that monitored all runners with members from local high school track teams manning the water stations set up every 1.5 miles along the way where full marathon runners could grab refreshment.
Race Course
All runners begin the Marathon heading west on Charles Lindbergh Blvd. running a loop around the Nassau County Government hub. Many local landmarks are passed including the Mitchell Field Athletic Complex and the Nassau Coliseum – home to the New York Islanders hockey team.
A left turn is made on Merrick Avenue leading runners north where a right is executed onto Old Country Road. Runners next make a left onto School Street, another left onto Railroad Avenue until turning north onto Post Road running through the scenic village of Westbury until taking a right turn on Jericho Turnpike.
Here runners travel east until making a right turn onto Brush Hollow Road that leads to a right turn into Wantagh Parkway running until met by Sunrise Highway, where participants turn north again.
Runners leave the parkway back onto Old Country Road running west for a short distance before again entering Wantagh Parkway heading south to the Carmen Avenue exit that will lead them to the entrance to the Eisenhower Park Golf Course where runners kick it up on Park Boulevard to the finish line located by parking field number five inside of the park.
Race Results
Do you like to see how fast you have to run to make it in the top 100? For a complete overview of the Long Island Race Results please take a look at MarathonGuide.com.
A short overview of last year’s results you can find here.
2010 Long Island Marathon, Results Men
1. Dan McGrath 2:29:44
2. Ryan McGuire 2:34:38
3. Jesus Dominguez 2:37:35
2010 Long Island Marathon, Results Women
1. Lilia Britez 3:20:21
2. Jodi Kartes-Heino 3:25:36
3. Emily Distefano 3:32:05
The last edition of Hal Higdon´s Marathon: The Ultimate Training Guide
Race Registration
There is registration available online for the 2011 Long Island Marathon. Race organizers in efforts to reduce paper use, urge all would-be runners to enter the race digitally, supply a valid email address upon completing the entry form.
This is a race to test your physical endurance where competition is tough. But, with the sights and sounds of New York nearby, spending a May Day running holiday in the Big Apple is a great way to kick-off the summer running season.
Are you still searching for a marathon training plan that fits your needs? My 100 Day Marathon Plan review tells you all about Marius Bakken’s revolutionary method to train for a marathon. Make sure to read it!
Return from Long Island Marathon to Marathon Guide
Return to Marathon Training Tips home
