County Exec Announces Event’s First-Ever Concert Series and Expanded Food Truck Festival
Running September 17th, 18th & 19th, 2021 - Following 2020’s COVID-19 Hiatus
East Meadow, NY – Get ready, get set for the return of Marathon weekend in Nassau County! County Executive Laura Curran corralled leaders of the Jovia Long Island Marathon to highlight new components of the 48th annual event running Friday, September 17 through Sunday, September 19 in Eisenhower Park. The highly anticipated event was initially postponed and ultimately cancelled in 2020 due to New York State’s COVID-19 health and safety restrictions but is on track for a big return this year with live concerts and an expanded food truck festival throughout the weekend.
“The wait is over for athletes across our region. The Jovia Long Island Marathon is on track for a major comeback with a new course and an expanded slate of entertainment for the entire community – including a three-day food truck festival and live concerts for the first time,” said Nassau County Executive Laura Curran. “With more than 90% of adults in Nassau with at least one dose of the vaccine, I am proud to be able to safely host and continue to grow this iconic Long Island event with the help of our many sponsors. With marathon attendees often going to eat or shop nearby in our downtowns, I hope that the return of marathon weekend also brings a boost to local small businesses.”
“On behalf of Jovia Financial Credit Union, we’re absolutely thrilled to be the title sponsor,” said Renu Dalessandro, Chief Marketing Officer, Jovia Financial Credit Union. “We all faced many challenges during the pandemic and bringing the marathon back to Long Island demonstrates that we’re headed in the right direction and we’re emerging stronger than ever. As a local-based credit union and a part of the fabric of the Long Island community, we are committed to bringing back important events just like this!”
Race Details & New Courses
This year’s schedule of races include:
- 1k Just for Fun Kids Run
- 5K Friday Night Lights Fun Run
- 10K Race
- Half Marathon
- Full Marathon
The schedule of races has been rearranged this year to allow athletes to compete in up to three races – i.e.: the 5k on Friday, the 10k on Saturday, and the full or half marathon on Sunday.
With the support of the Nassau County Police Department, Nassau’s Office of Emergency Management, Department of Public Works, Parks Department, and Department of Health, the 2021 marathon, half marathon and 10k races will feature new courses that will highlight more of Eisenhower Park, Mitchel Field and Museum Row and utilize many of the County’s new pedestrian and bike paths.
There will be fewer road closures this year as this course will also have less impact on the surrounding community than previous courses - while still delivering athletes the full-distance marathon with a 2-lap course. Click here for the full list of road closures.
Food Truck Festival & New Concert Series
After a successful kickoff in 2019, marathon weekend will feature the event’s second annual Food Truck Festival taking place all weekend at the finish line across from field 5. With 19 local food vendors participating, foodies, families, and fans can fuel up on a diverse range of cuisines from empanadas, to wontons, to barbeque. Click here for the list of participating restaurants.
Great South Bay Brewery will also be providing free beer at the finish line to those 21+ who complete a race.
New this year, the finish line’s entertainment will include live performances by six bands all weekend long. Click here for the lineup.
RXR Long Island Health and Fitness EXPO
In addition, the event will once again feature the RXR Long Island Health and Fitness EXPO on Friday and Saturday showcasing fitness vendors from across the island. The expo is aimed at motivating people to engage in a healthy lifestyle within their community.
The free, non-ticketed event will be open to the general public. Expo visitors can sample nutritious food, try out the latest exercise equipment, test drive technology, explore recovery products and listen to lectures from industry professionals and pro-athletes.
Race Beneficiary
Those participating in the marathon’s races have the opportunity to raise funds for a number of not-for-profit organizations including Friends of Karen, which provides emotional, financial and advocacy support for children with cancer or other life-threatening illnesses and their families.
Hundreds of Friends of Karen supporters are expected to lace up their sneakers and take part this weekend to fundraise and raise awareness for Childhood Cancer Awareness Month and the devastating facts around pediatric cancer.
“The concept of corporate social responsibility helps to promote positive social change and provides a great impact in our communities,” said Leslie Bellissimo, Regional Director of Friends of Karen. “We are so pleased to have a company like Imperial Cleaning Company, whose team embraces our mission and knows that they are helping to make a difference in the lives of so many families affected by a child’s life-threatening illness.”
Visit the website for more information on the schedule of events, registration and volunteer opportunities.