NEW YORK (WCBS 880) — The Long Island Marathon is making a major comeback this weekend.
There will be 19 food trucks, different races, and lots of fun, said Nassau County Executive Laura Curran as she announced the details of the marathon weekend Wednesday at the finish line in Eisenhower Park, where the runs will take place.
"Friday Night Lights 5K, that kicks it off on Friday night, then we have the 1K Just for Fun Kids Run, a 10K, a half marathon and then, of course, the full marathon," Curran said.
The schedule has been arranged to allow athletes to compete in up to three races.
"So if you're really into it you can do the 5K on Friday, the 10K on Saturday and the marathon on Sunday," Curran said.
Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder said many roads will be closed near the park and is encouraging the public to avoid the area.
Security will also be tight.
"For all the runners that are coming to the start, whatever items you have, we will provide a clear plastic bag that they will put your items into, it'll be loaded onto the truck, it'll be scanned by our bomb squad and our K-9 unit and then brought into the hot zone," Ryder said.
Ryder notes that police will also be inspecting spectators' bags and baby carriages.
The marathon is marking its 48th year.
Curran said the race is an economic boon to the county.
"It has a real positive impact on our local economy with visitors and residents coming for the race, their families, their friends, their supporters, then they go and spend money in the local community. They go out to eat, they support our local businesses so this is good for our economic development," Curran said.
The marathon was canceled last year due to the pandemic.