LONG ISLAND MARATHON
The Lowdown
The Long Island Marathon, held annually in East Meadow since the early 1990s, has grown into a beloved spring tradition for New York runners and visitors from the tri-state area. Originally started as a community road race to showcase Nassau County parks and neighborhoods, the event now attracts both competitive marathoners chasing qualifying times and recreational runners enjoying a well-organized race day. The 2026 edition continues that legacy, offering a reliably timed, low-key yet competitive marathon experience on the first of May. The course is known for being relatively flat and fast, beginning and finishing near Eisenhower Park with miles that take runners through broad parkways, tree-lined residential sections, and open parkland that can feature early-spring blossoms. Spectator support is friendly and local, with volunteers, bands and water stops placed at regular intervals to keep morale high. The atmosphere is welcoming — a hometown race feel that still provides full race-day services: clear mile markings, ample aid stations, and a post-race festival with refreshments and awards. The Long Island Marathon course is USATF-certified and regularly used as a Boston Marathon qualifier, making it a popular choice for runners seeking a fast, legitimate time on a scenic Long Island route.
Race Day
Weather Forecast
Elevation
Terrain Profile
Relatively flat course
Participants
Field Size
Intimate field
Crowd Rating
Spectator Support
Moderate spectator support
This race qualifies for the Boston Marathon
Race Weekend
Other distances available
Notable Landmarks
Eisenhower Park
Large county park in East Meadow where the race starts and finishes, with wide park roads and open fields
Mitchel Athletic Complex
Major sports complex adjacent to Eisenhower Park that runners pass early in the course
Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum
Iconic arena in Uniondale near the course, visible as runners move through the area
Hofstra University
Campus in nearby Hempstead the course skirts, offering tree-lined roads and collegiate landmarks
Old Bethpage Village Restoration
Historic living history museum near Old Bethpage that the course passes close to, adding scenic rural character
Roosevelt Field Mall
One of the largest shopping malls on Long Island in Garden City, close to parts of the route
Plainview-Old Bethpage area residential corridors
Characteristic suburban neighborhoods and tree-lined streets that make up several miles of the marathon course
East Meadow, United States
US
Based on nearby accommodations
- Must be registered for the event prior to race day
- Entrants in the full marathon must be 18 years of age or older on race day
- Minors may be eligible for shorter distances or relays per event-specific rules (guardian consent required)
- All participants must sign the online waiver/release prior to packet pickup or race day
- Valid photo ID required for packet pickup and age verification
- Runners must be able to complete the marathon within the established course time limit (6 hours)
- Participants must wear their assigned bibs and timing chips as provided by race management
- Race organizers reserve the right to refuse entry or remove any participant for safety, medical, or conduct reasons
- Photo ID
- Signed race waiver
- Emergency contact information
- Online Registration
- Race Day Registration
- Mail-in Registration
- Group/Club Entry
Cancellation & Refunds
Policy details
Entries are non-refundable (no refunds)
Deferrals to the following year allowed up to 30 days before the race with a $10 processing fee
Bib transfers to another registered participant allowed until 7 days before race day via RunSignUp
Race cancellation or course/time changes due to weather, public safety, or other emergencies may result in a partial refund or free deferral at the organizers' discretion
If the event is canceled, organizers will notify registrants and provide options for deferral, credit towards a future event, or partial refund depending on incurred costs
The Long Island Marathon is a USATF-certified, Boston-qualifying course that runs primarily on flat, paved park roads in Eisenhower Park offering tree-lined scenery and spectator-friendly loops.
Finishers receive a custom medal and a technical long-sleeve race shirt, and post-race amenities typically include snacks, hot coffee, and a small beer garden for participants 21+.
Aid stations are located approximately every 2 miles providing water and electrolyte drink, with medical support and portable restrooms along the course; chip timing is used for official results.
Race weekend usually features a pre-race packet pickup at the park, age-group awards for top finishers, and a kids fun run to welcome families—on-site parking is available but arriving early is recommended due to limited spaces.
Community
Stories, tips, and race-day snapshots from runners who have tackled this course.
Community Reviews
Learn from fellow runners and share insights that will help the next person toe the line.