Thousands run in L.I. Marathon

County Executive Ed Mangano, second from left, and Scott Rechler, CEO of RXR realty, the race’s title sponsor, with the women’s top three half marathon finishers, first-place Jodie Robertson, third from left, second-place Stefanie Braun, second from right, and third-place Lindsey Block, far left. Also pictured is County Legislator Rose Walker.

Donovan Berthoud/Herald

Photos by Donovan Berthoud/Herald The race was a test of endurance, as runners turned the corner of Charles Lindbergh northbound onto Merrick Avenue.

Donovan Berthoud/Herald

Sean Smith and Logan Schwartz, both 8, were two of 25,000 spectators who came out to support the runners.

Donovan Berthoud/Herald

Kelly Gillen, 30, from New York City, finished first among the women at 3 hours, 3 minutes.

Donovan Berthoud/Herald

More than 8,000 runners took part in last weekend’s Long Island Marathon, which began on Charles Lindbergh Boulevard in Uniondale.

Donovan Berthoud/Herald

Derek Rammelkamp, 23, of Centereach, was the first-place finisher in the 26.2-mile marathon, clocking in at 2 hours, 32 minutes.

Donovan Berthoud/Herald

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More than 8,000 runners participated in this year’s Long Island Marathon, which winded through central and northern Nassau County streets, before concluding in Eisenhower Park in East Meadow.

About 25,000 spectators cheered on the runners throughout the route, according to county officials.

Derek Rammelkamp, 23, of Centereach, was the first to cross the finish line of the 26.2-mile marathon, completing the race in 2 hours, 32 minutes. Kelly Gillen, 30, from New York City, was tops among the women, clocking in at 3:03.

In the 13.1-mile half marathon, Christopher Mills, 23, of Falls Church, V.A., finished first overall at 1:07. And Jodie Robertson, 28, at 1:17, was the fastest female.

Following the events during the Boston Marathon on April 15, extra security measures were put in place by the Nassau County Police Department, including an increased police presence, bomb-sniffing dogs and a restriction on large bags.

According to county officials, there were no security issues during any point of the weekend. “The Long Island Marathon was a success and I thank the men and women of the Nassau County Police Department, the Office of Emergency Management, Volunteer Fire Service and EMS, Department of Parks and Recreation, Department of Public Works, Department of Health and the countless volunteers for their efforts keeping our runners and spectators safe,” said County Executive Ed Mangano is a written statement.

But with Boston still on their minds, many runners donned clothing that showed their support for the city, including bibs that read, “I Run For Boston.”