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Marine Veteran runs 66 miles for veteran suicide awareness

Eric D'Arce, a Marine Corps veteran and suicide survivor, ran from Montauk to Patchogue in an effort to bring attention to the issue and encourage others to seek help.

Jenna Rae Gaertner

Aug 23, 2026, 10:21 PM

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A Marine Corps veteran completed a 66-mile run across Long Island Sunday to raise awareness about veteran suicide and share a message of hope for those who are struggling with mental health challenges.

Eric D'Arce, a Marine Corps veteran and suicide survivor, ran from Montauk to Patchogue in an effort to bring attention to the issue and encourage others to seek help.

D'Arce says he developed PTSD following his military service and wants fellow veterans to know recovery is possible.

"If I'm here and and I'm doing better, I might as well break that stigma and share with other people that although you could get really, really low, there's always a capability to get back up and break the stigma and let people know that they're not alone," D'Arce said.

The run began shortly after 5 a.m. in Montauk. Fourteen hours later, D'Arce crossed the finish line at his local VFW in Patchogue.

Friends, family and Sen. Dean Murray were present to celebrate the accomplishment and support D'Arce's mission.

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