Uniondale, NY- Nassau County Executive Thomas R. Suozzi was joined today by Nassau County Legislator and Deputy Presiding Officer Roger Corbin (D-Westbury), sponsors, as well as previous winners of the Long Island Marathon to encourage a big turnout for the May 2nd race. Currently, more than 4,500 runners have signed up for either the full 26.2 mile marathon or the 13.1 mile half-marathon, which is already higher last year. Today, County Executive Suozzi made an appeal to all Long Islanders that it is not too late to register for either race.

"I extended the regular registration period an additional week to accommodate the heavy flow of last minute registrations," said Suozzi. "Runners now have until April 27th to register for a fee of $40 and I encourage runners to sign up over the Internet at www.thelimarathon.com. With this final push, I believe we can get six thousand runners to cross the finish line this year." The website is also useful for residents who would like to volunteer or watch the race, as it leaves Wantagh Parkway for the first time and goes through the streets of the Nassau Hub district.

Today's press conference was held at The Omni, a flagship Mitchel Field office property located along the course and owned by one of the Marathon's sponsors, Reckson Associates Realty Corp. "Reckson Associates is extremely proud to be a presenting sponsor of the Long Island Marathon. Our home and roots have been on Long Island for almost fifty years. Supporting events like the Long Island Marathon are part of our continuous effort to play a leadership role in enhancing the quality of life for Long Islanders. We're here to make a difference and wish all of the marathon participants good luck," said Scott Rechler, president and CEO of Reckson Associates.

Co-Directors of Reckson's Long Island Division, Ken Bauer and Walter Smith, joined County Executive Suozzi in unveiling the first of dozens of 'Marathon markers' that identify the race's additional sponsors and help map out the new route for the Marathon. Additional markers will be installed over the next week.

"As a corporate citizen of Long Island through the ownership and management of four premier shopping malls here -- Roosevelt Field, Walt Whitman Mall, Smith Haven Mall and The Mall at the Source, Simon Property Group is pleased to serve the Long Island community in yet another way by participating in this year's Long Island Marathon as an event sponsor," added David Simon, chief executive officer.

The Marathon will continue to begin and end in Eisenhower Park, but will now steer runners past some of Nassau County's most impressive attractions, including Nassau Coliseum, Museum Row (Cradle of Aviation, The Children's Museum), and Hofstra University. Runners will even head onto the track at Mitchel Field, where Michael Johnson set a world record in the 1998 Goodwill Games.

"I encourage residents to sign up for the Long Island Marathon. This is an Olympic year and this marathon will bring out the best and the brightest. And I know Long Island will be well represented in marathons to come. In addition, I am sure that this year's Long Island Marathon will also showcase Nassau's beauty and boost tourism," said Legislator Corbin, whose district covers much of the Marathon's course.

Runners will also be offered refreshments at several "Hydration Stations" and "Power Stations" throughout the course. Sponsors such as Snapple, Dunkin Donuts and Powerade are all donating food and beverages to the Marathon.

"The Marathon is incredible opportunity for residents to get a closer look at an area of Nassau County that might not be a part of their daily commute. Runners and spectators will be surprised to see what's new in the Nassau Hub how much it has to offer," said Suozzi.

Both races begin at 8:00 AM on May 2nd and official times will be calculated for runners until 2:00 PM. All information can be found at www.thelimarathon.com. or by calling (516) 572-0248.