More than 2,000 runners kicked off the eighth annual Catholic Health Suffolk County Marathon Sunday morning in Babylon Village.

Every stride they made raised money to benefit veterans on Long Island. Some runners even carried the American Flag in their hands as they ran.

Jennifer Young, of Amityville, ran to honor three veterans in her family -- her grandfather, father and brother.

“The military has been a tradition in my family. My grandfather left civilian life right after Pearl Harbor. He felt like it was his duty, and my family has done that for every generation since,” she said.

Family and friends lined the marathon route to cheer on the runners with hugs and words of encouragement.

Despite the cloudy and rainy day, the runners enjoyed a beautiful scenic 26.2-mile route as they made their way from Babylon Village and over several bridges, including the Robert Moses Causeway.

"I love it. I mean, especially the weather has been touch-and-go for the last few days. So to see everyone show up, it's great," said marathon director Cory Roberts.

Since this marathon began in 2015, it has raised more than $700,000 to benefit local veterans.

“The man or woman who has gone out and put their life on the line for everyone never thought about that. They just did for the best interest of our country, for the freedoms that they protect every day, and they need to be taken care of,” said Mayor of Babylon Village Mary Adams.