Suffolk County Marathon

Suffolk County's flagship fall race carries a clear mission: entries have raised more than one million dollars for local veterans services since the event began. The marathon anchors the Sunday of a two-day race weekend that also includes a half marathon, 10K, and Saturday 5K.

The point-to-point route starts in the Village of Babylon and finishes at Gardiner Park in Bay Shore, with the signature miles crossing the Robert Moses Causeway above the Great South Bay. The causeway climb and open water views come with real exposure, so wind can shape the middle of the race.

Mid-October on Long Island's south shore usually means 40s at the start and 50s to low 60s later. The causeway and shoreline sections sit open to the wind, which can matter more than temperature on the wrong day.