Long Island Marathon weekend underway in Eisenhower Park, expect road closures Sunday
Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman speaks Tuesday about the 2025 marathon's festival of events in Eisenhower Park in East Meadow this weekend. Credit: Rick Kopstein
More than 4,200 people are registered to participate in this weekend's 2025 Jovia Financial Credit Union Long Island Marathon Weekend in Eisenhower Park, the event’s 51st year.
The Long Island Food Truck Festival will be on site Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
A variety of live bands will perform each day, including at the Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre and Sunday’s course.
Friday evening featured a 5k, and Saturday morning included a 10k at 8 a.m. and a 1k kids run at 11 a.m.
The half marathon and marathon both start on Sunday at 7:30 a.m., and the postrace festival begins at 8 a.m.
With the marathon will come some road closures Sunday.
Nassau County police said Charles Lindbergh Boulevard, Earl Ovington Boulevard and Merrick Avenue between Park Boulevard and Stewart Avenue will be closed from 7 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
In addition, Eisenhower Park’s Park Boulevard will be closed at the Hempstead Turnpike entrance at 6:30 a.m. until about 9, police said. Once it reopens, through traffic to Merrick Avenue will not be permitted until about 1:30. Access into and within the park itself will be available, including the Lannin and Golf, police said.
Park Boulevard will be closed at the Merrick Avenue entrance at 7 a.m. until about 1:30. Once reopened, through traffic to Hempstead Turnpike will be allowed, police said.
Various Meadowbrook State Parkway exits in the area also will be closed from 7 a.m. to about 1:30 p.m., police said.
The marathon weekend will benefit two charities: the Nassau Parks Conservancy, which assists in beautifying and conserving 70 parks throughout Nassau; and Friends of Karen, which provides emotional, financial and advocacy support for children with life-threatening illness and their families.
Leslie Bellissimo, Friends of Karen regional director for the Long Island-Metro NYC area, said 19 years ago recipient Evelyn Anderson formed a team in the 5k race to give back after the organization supported her son when he was diagnosed with leukemia.
That team has grown to 200 participants who run in bright yellow to raise funds for the organization, she said.
"Evelyn and her entire family, including her son, Luke, who is now a full-grown adult, run every year with us," Bellissimo said.
More than 4,200 people are registered to participate in this weekend's 2025 Jovia Financial Credit Union Long Island Marathon Weekend in Eisenhower Park, the event’s 51st year.
The Long Island Food Truck Festival will be on site Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
A variety of live bands will perform each day, including at the Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre and Sunday’s course.
Friday evening featured a 5k, and Saturday morning included a 10k at 8 a.m. and a 1k kids run at 11 a.m.
The half marathon and marathon both start on Sunday at 7:30 a.m., and the postrace festival begins at 8 a.m.
With the marathon will come some road closures Sunday.
Nassau County police said Charles Lindbergh Boulevard, Earl Ovington Boulevard and Merrick Avenue between Park Boulevard and Stewart Avenue will be closed from 7 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
In addition, Eisenhower Park’s Park Boulevard will be closed at the Hempstead Turnpike entrance at 6:30 a.m. until about 9, police said. Once it reopens, through traffic to Merrick Avenue will not be permitted until about 1:30. Access into and within the park itself will be available, including the Lannin and Golf, police said.
Park Boulevard will be closed at the Merrick Avenue entrance at 7 a.m. until about 1:30. Once reopened, through traffic to Hempstead Turnpike will be allowed, police said.
Various Meadowbrook State Parkway exits in the area also will be closed from 7 a.m. to about 1:30 p.m., police said.
The marathon weekend will benefit two charities: the Nassau Parks Conservancy, which assists in beautifying and conserving 70 parks throughout Nassau; and Friends of Karen, which provides emotional, financial and advocacy support for children with life-threatening illness and their families.
Leslie Bellissimo, Friends of Karen regional director for the Long Island-Metro NYC area, said 19 years ago recipient Evelyn Anderson formed a team in the 5k race to give back after the organization supported her son when he was diagnosed with leukemia.
That team has grown to 200 participants who run in bright yellow to raise funds for the organization, she said.
"Evelyn and her entire family, including her son, Luke, who is now a full-grown adult, run every year with us," Bellissimo said.
SARRA SOUNDS OFF: Interview with Massapequa's Tom Sheedy On the latest episode of "Sarra Sounds Off," Newsday's Gregg Sarra interviews Massapequa baseball coach Tom Sheedy and sends a tribute to Chaminade lacrosse coach Jack Moran.
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SARRA SOUNDS OFF: Interview with Massapequa's Tom Sheedy On the latest episode of "Sarra Sounds Off," Newsday's Gregg Sarra interviews Massapequa baseball coach Tom Sheedy and sends a tribute to Chaminade lacrosse coach Jack Moran.
