The Definitive 2025 Guide: 3 Must-Run Marathons On Long Island For Your Next PR Or BQ
Planning your 2025 race calendar should start right here. Long Island, New York, is a premier destination for runners, offering a surprisingly diverse range of marathons from the bustling Nassau County hub to the serene, scenic East End. Forget the myth that Long Island is just a suburb; its marathon scene features flat, fast courses perfect for chasing a Boston Qualifier (BQ) time, alongside stunning coastal routes that offer unforgettable views.
As of late 2024, the 2025 race schedule is locked in, presenting three distinct full-marathon experiences. Whether you are a first-time 26.2-mile challenger seeking a supportive atmosphere or a veteran runner aiming for a personal best (PB) on a certified flat course, this guide breaks down the essential details, course profiles, and runner reviews for the island's top long-distance races.
The 2025 Long Island Marathon Calendar: Key Race Details
The Long Island running community is vibrant, supported by organizations like the Greater Long Island Running Club (GLIRC), which helps organize and promote races throughout the year. While 5Ks and 10Ks are plentiful, three major festivals anchor the full marathon schedule, each offering a unique regional flavor and course challenge.
- Jovia Long Island Marathon Festival (Spring)
- Date: Sunday, May 4, 2025 (Marathon)
- Location: East Meadow, NY (Nassau County)
- Course Profile: Extremely flat, mostly paved roads. A half-marathon loop run twice.
- BQ Status: Certified Boston Qualifier.
- Hamptons Marathon (Fall)
- Date: Saturday, September 27, 2025
- Location: East End, Long Island (Southampton/East Hampton area)
- Course Profile: Flat and fast, multiple loops through scenic, affluent neighborhoods with coastal views.
- BQ Status: Certified Boston Qualifier.
- Suffolk County Marathon (Fall)
- Date: Sunday, October 19, 2025 (Marathon)
- Location: Bay Shore/Babylon, NY (Suffolk County)
- Course Profile: Mostly flat, with a major highlight being the scenic stretch over the Robert Moses Causeway.
- BQ Status: Certified Boston Qualifier.
1. The Jovia Long Island Marathon: The Ultimate BQ Course
The Jovia Long Island Marathon Festival is arguably the most well-known and largest running event weekend on the island, taking place every spring. It is a full-scale event that includes a Marathon, Half Marathon, 10K Run, 5K Run, and various "Challenge Events" that combine multiple distances over the weekend.
Course and Runner Experience:
The marathon course starts and finishes near the Nassau Coliseum in East Meadow, NY. Its primary appeal is its flatness. The course is famously low-elevation, making it one of the fastest marathon courses in New York and a top choice for runners desperately seeking a Boston Marathon Qualifier.
The marathon distance is typically a two-loop course, running the Half Marathon route twice. While this design is great for logistics and keeping the course flat, some runner reviews have noted that the repeated loop can become mentally challenging or "boring" in the later stages of the race.
However, the race management is generally praised as being very well-run, and the support from the local running community, including the Jovia Credit Union, is excellent.
2. The Hamptons Marathon: Coastal Beauty and Speed
Moving east, the Hamptons Marathon offers a completely different vibe. Held in the fall, it combines the prestige of the East End location with a genuinely fast course. The 2025 race is scheduled for Saturday, September 27.
Course and Runner Experience:
This race is known for its scenic beauty. Runners will experience a flat and fast course that winds through the quiet, exclusive communities of the Hamptons. Crucially, the route provides stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and the tranquil Shinnecock Bay.
Like the Long Island Marathon, the Hamptons Marathon is also a certified Boston Qualifier. Its fall timing makes it an ideal target race for those who prefer to train in the summer months or who missed their BQ window in the spring. The course is mostly flat and paved, though it can involve multiple loops or out-and-back sections, maximizing the exposure to the beautiful coastal scenery.
For runners who prioritize a beautiful, destination-race feel over a purely urban or park setting, the Hamptons Marathon is the superior choice, despite the higher cost of lodging and travel in the area.
3. The Suffolk County Marathon: Running Over Water
The Suffolk County Marathon, held in mid-October, is the third major full marathon option on Long Island and offers the most unique scenic element: running over the Great South Bay. The 11th Annual event is slated for Sunday, October 19, 2025.
Course and Runner Experience:
Starting in the Bay Shore/Babylon area, the course is mostly flat and is a certified Boston Qualifier. The unforgettable highlight is the stretch that takes runners across the Robert Moses Causeway, offering panoramic, breathtaking views of the Great South Bay and the Fire Island National Seashore in the distance.
This race is also a charity event, supporting local veterans' services and community initiatives, giving it a strong community and philanthropic spirit. However, some runner reviews indicate that while the scenery is fantastic, the spectator and race support can be less robust on the marathon course—especially compared to the Half Marathon, which is run concurrently.
If your training plan allows for a late-season race and you want a truly unique, postcard-worthy view on your 26.2-mile journey, the Suffolk County Marathon is a must-do.
Choosing Your Long Island Marathon: PR vs. Scenery
When selecting your race, the intention is everything. Long Island offers a great selection of flat courses, but their atmosphere and course profile differ significantly. Here is a quick breakdown to help you decide:
For the Boston Qualifier (BQ) Hunter
Your best bet is the Jovia Long Island Marathon in May. While all three are BQ-certified, the LI Marathon is consistently ranked among the fastest courses in the region due to its minimal elevation gain. The two-loop format is designed for speed and consistency, making it easier to stick to a strict pacing strategy. This race is purely about performance.
For the Scenic Runner and Destination Race Lover
The Hamptons Marathon in September is the clear winner. The course is flat and fast, but the backdrop of the Atlantic Ocean, Shinnecock Bay, and the beautiful East End homes elevates the entire experience. It is a destination race that combines performance goals with a luxurious weekend getaway.
For the Unique Experience and Community Focus
The Suffolk County Marathon in October is your race. Running across the Robert Moses Causeway over the Great South Bay is a spectacular, one-of-a-kind experience on Long Island. Furthermore, the race’s mission to support local veterans gives it a powerful, uplifting community focus that many runners find highly motivating.
Regardless of which race you choose for your 2025 training plan, Long Island’s running events provide a high-quality, certified course perfect for achieving your personal best. Ensure you check the official race websites for the latest registration and packet pickup details, and start your long-run training today!
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