Thousands of runners took part in the seventh annual Catholic Health Suffolk County Marathon Sunday morning.

Babylon Village mayor Mary Adams says it does more than just raise money for local veterans.    

“It brings…the awareness of how important our veterans are and the freedoms they provide to us every day that we enjoy and take for granted,” says Adams. 

This year’s event commemorates 20th anniversary of the September 11 attacks and is dedicated to post-9/11 veterans and the sacrifices they’ve made. 

Over the years, the marathon has raised more than $700,000 for local veterans’ services. Those services provide help for the 90,000 veterans who live in Suffolk County. 

Hicksville army veteran Marlene Caban says she is proud to run to help support her comrades.

The runners started in Babylon Village and traveled over several bridges to end at Gardiner County Park in Bay Shore.