This was the first year for this race and they have a lot of room for growth. The run was organized by Island Running and they are dedicated to the establishment of a Recreational Path around the old Grumman property. They are working with the Town of Riverhead and Parks and Recreation on making this a reality. Funds are being raised for maintenance and improving the path while we wait for grants to complete the path.

There were 62 participants for the race. It was a busy weekend for races in the area with many runners attending other races that have already established themselves.

Organizers had water stops, refreshments after the race, and a picture of you crossing the finish line.
It was a good first annual race. There is more room for growth. I have a feeling the organization will reach out to other veteran running organizations and other running clubs which will lead to an increase in runner participation.

The organization will be planning a veterans race at this location for the fall and are looking to form a veterans committee within the Island Running Club to help them organize this. Veterans can join the club at a reduced membership fee.

This race was organized by The Semper Fi Fund and America’s Fund that provide immediate financial assistance and lifetime support to post-9/11 wounded, critically ill and injured members of all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces, and their families, ensuring that they have the resources they need during their recovery and transition back to their communities. Since establishing the Semper Fi Fund in 2004, we’ve issued more than 106,000 grants, totaling more than $120 million in assistance to over 15,000 of our heroes and their families.

This was the first race organized by the North Fork Marines. According to Goggins-Mackenzie there were 40 pre-registered racers a week leading up to the race. The day before the race the number increased to 120, and then on the day of the race another 70 people registered.

The course took you through a beautiful neighborhood in Cutchogue with some tree cover that provided some shade to runners. The course was scenic with some portions passing the bay and farmland and presented. If the heat was not enough of a challenge some of the small hills did slow some runners down.

There was plenty of parking near New Suffolk Beach and along the side streets. Race organizers did not provide porta potties and they ran out of water, mistakes that I am sure they will not repeat. The volunteers and staff were energetic and helpful. The location will draw more runners in the future. This will be an event that continues to get better.

The Corporal Chris Scherer Memorial "I did the grid" run celebrates its 9th year. Chris Scherer was raised in east Northport before enlisting in the United States Marine Corps. On July 21, 2007 in the province of Al Anbar, Iraq, Chris lost his life serving the Country he loved. He was felled by a single bullet from the gun of an enemy sniper.

His family honors his memory by hosting this race every year in Northport on Memorial Day weekend. The Corporal Chris Memorial awards three scholarships each year to Northport High School Seniors. One member of varsity boy’s lacrosse, one member of varsity girl’s lacrosse, and one member of the graduating senior class will be eligible for the awards. The foundation also supports troops serving over seas by sending care packages and supplies.

The 4 mile race is held in the neighborhood that Chris Scherer played in when growing up. The neighbors are very supportive with the countless patriotic decorations that you see in their yards. There are plenty of aid stations along the route and the neighbors take it upon themselves to provide additional stations or you may see another neighbor manning a hose on a light spritz to cool off runners going by. Local first responders lend their support by providing first aid or with Fire Department tower ladders hanging an enormous American flag over the route. The route has 37 turns through a supportive and scenic neighborhood.

There are no awards for age groups in this race the family states that on this day we ask that you give up all personal awards and instead wear the names of four fallen heroes on your race bib. You will carry them through the race course and at the finish you will ring a bell one time for each of them to signify on this day that they have been remembered.We encourage you to look up their names online and write a thank you in their online guest books for this will let their families know that their hero has not been forgotten. When you finish the race each runner is asked to ring a bell for the fallen. Once the runner rings the bell they are greeted by a family member who thanks you for coming and presents you with a challenge coin.

The race is easy to register for offering a mail-in registration option, registering online, or day of registration. This year they maxed out on runners. The swag is excellent. Great shirts offered every year along with a challenge coin at the finish line. As mentioned earlier, plenty of aid stations along the route. Plenty of porta-potties=short lines.

I always enjoy running this race but what I enjoy most is being a part of how this family and community celebrates this Marines life.

My New Year’s eve tradition for the last three years has remained the same. Get together with my Air Force buddy with our families to bring in the New Year. Once the new year begins, we take turns registering for the Air Force Marathon on the computer. On the first day of registration entrance is at a low price for one day. Since this year will be the 20 year anniversary of the race I found that I was not the only one looking to register at a low price. This year 5,700 runners signed up on New Years Day. In recent years, the run has attracted 15,000 runners. The annual race also offers options to run a half marathon, 10K, or 5K. I have run the marathon and the half marathon and have had such a great experience that it has become an annual event for me.

Packet pick up is the day before at Wright State University, the expo usually lasts for two days. It is free and open to the public. The Air Force Marathon Sports and Fitness Expo host more than 100 exhibitors featuring the latest developments in sports, fitness and nutrition. If you are interested Air Force recruiters are on hand should you want to enlist.

Organizers are generous with the swag. Usually a nice long sleeve shirt, a towel, noise makers, coupons, etc.

On Friday night, there is a pasta dinner held at the National Museum of the United States Air Force in the modern flight hangar. Wright-Patterson Air Force Base’s own chef will prepare pastas, salads, a variety of fruits and desserts for participants to load up on carbs the day before the big race. The Gourmet Pasta Dinner is buffet style. The event has guest speakers who have made contributions to the running world. You will have an opportunity to look around the museum but keep in mind due to the size and the number of exhibits available this will be something that you will have to continue another day.

On race day arrive early. Air Force personnel will be on hand to guide you and provide security checks. Once you are parked expect to walk up to a mile to check in. You will have to pass through a security check-point before you get to the event. You will be allowed to bring in a clear plastic backpack like bag given to you when you pick up your bib. This will be the only acceptable backpack that runners can bring in.

The marathon, half-marathon, 10K, and 5K start at the same place but at separate times. There are plenty of porta-potties and water stations available. Usually after the singing of the national anthem parachutists will make there way to the ground carrying the American flag.

Along the route there are plenty of stops providing runners with water, food, gugels, fruit, etc. There are certain points where you will not see a crowd but other than that expect to see people cheering you on throughout the course. Last year, there was a guy giving out bacon strips.

The course finishes at the museum. There is a huge crowd on hand to see you through and you will be running along a strip that has Air Force aircraft along the way. Once you cross the finish line there are members of the Air Force present to give you your finishers medal. Once you receive your medal there are plenty of refreshments on hand to restore those lost calories including beer.

In 2017, the Air Force will be 70 years old. Since 2016 will probably see record numbers expect even more in 2017. The only complaint that I have was that in 2014 they had pizza at the finish line, in 2015 no pizza. Pizza or no pizza this is a race I will never miss.