Suffolk County, NY - November 19, 2018 - Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone today announced the U.S. Army as the winning military branch of the 2018 County Executive Cup for this year's Suffolk County Marathon. The Army, who achieved the highest points in the full marathon, will take the engraved County Executive Cup back to their base until next year's race.

 

“I am so honored with the large turnout of active duty military who participated in this year’s marathon and this friendly competition for the County Executive’s Cup,” said County Executive Bellone. “Suffolk County has the highest number of veterans in New York State and it has been my honor to both host and participate in this year’s Suffolk County Marathon to raise funds for our local veterans, who offer so much to our community.”

 

The County Executive also presented certificates to eight members of the Airborne Tri Team, who participated in an annual Rucksack March during the Suffolk County Marathon where they raised awareness for veteran suicide. The Rucksack March consists of a 23-mile run with a backpack holding 45 pounds of equipment, representing the roughly 22 veterans who die from suicide each day plus an extra mile for support.

 

Tom Ronayne, Director of Suffolk County Veterans Services said, “The Suffolk County Marathon has become an indispensable source for funds to dedicate to these individuals whose service and sacrifice remain the backbone of our communities. The County Executive’s Cup added an additional element of excitement for our active duty runners that was a true pleasure to be a part of.”

 

The County Executive Cup was created this year, and is only eligible for currently serving military personnel who participated in this year’s full marathon. The branch—Army, Navy, Marines, Coast Guard and Air Force—with three or more participants that meets the predetermined criteria is eligible to be awarded the trophy, and have their Branch’s name engraved. The trophy was generously donated by the Ronayne Family.

 

More than 2,300 runners participated in this year’s 2018 Suffolk County Marathon, Half Marathon, Relay and 5K. This year’s race was dedicated to the brave members of the Air National Guard’s 106th Rescue Wing who were tragically lost when a helicopter crashed in Iraq this past March. The Suffolk County Marathon has raised more than $400,000 for local veterans organizations since its inception in 2015.