Malverne's Hawkins wins L.I. Marathon's wheelchair division

Malverne’s own Peter Hawkins was the champion of the Long Island Marathon’s wheelchair division this past Sunday, finishing the 22nd annual race in 2 hours, 10 minutes, 23 seconds.

Hawkins was the only traditional wheelchair racer in this year’s marathon. Three others in the division used hand cycles.

“It was a beautiful day; some people were complaining it was too hot, but I enjoy the heat,” said Hawkins. “I didn’t know any of the hand cyclists before yesterday. One guy went out really fast, but I caught up to him by mile 6,” he added

What’s next for Malverne’s champion racer? Hawkins will be competing in the Peachtree Road Race on July 4th in Atlanta and said he will be racing pretty much every weekend through the whole summer — mostly 5Ks and 10Ks, until October when he competes in the first Suffolk County Marathon.

“How many times I heard my name during the race!” said Hawkins. “I really appreciated being cheered on by that. It was really cool. “