Huntington Chamber Takes on Challenge to Support Suffolk Marathon

Chambers Competing to Register Runners for Race Helping Veterans

The  Huntington Township Chamber  of Commerce has joined  the Chamber Challenge, a competition to register the most number of participants for the CHS second annual Suffolk County Marathon, Half Marathon and 5k on Oct. 30 in Patchogue.

“The Huntington Chamber of Commerce is proud to support the marathon for our veterans,” said Ellen O’Brien, executive director of the Huntington Township Chamber of Commerce. “The Huntington Chamber will participate in the Chamber Challenge to register as many runners as possible.  This is a great event for a great cause and we hope to rally our membership to come out in large numbers.   Watch out, other chambers….”

The Greater Patchogue Chamber of Commerce also announced this week that would take up the challenge.

Issued by the Suffolk County Alliance of Chambers to all of its members last week, the challenge  will  result in the awarding of a trophy for the chamber that brings in the most registrants, said Robert Fonti, director and co-chair of SCAC.

“The goal is support veterans, the race and local businesses that are participating in the race and related activities,” said Gina Coletti, director and co-chair of SCAC.

The Suffolk County Alliance of Chambers (SCAC) is a regional business organization comprised local chambers of commerce and other business alliances. Its mission is to communicate legislative and business agendas to various levels of government and other business groups.

Net proceeds from the race will benefit services to Suffolk County veterans.   Last year’s race raised $160,000, which was distributed to 19 organizations serving local veterans.

Runners are coming to Patchogue from 18 states and five countries. The newly added 5k means that there are races for participants of all athletic levels.

A Taste of Long Island festival, featuring Long Island foods, wines and beers, will follow the race.  Several bands will provide musical entertainment, and other activities for children are also planned.