By:Brian T. Dessart
McGrath, who started training for his first Long Island Half Marathon in January, ran every day, averaging 90 to 100 miles per week. Three or four days a week, he ran twice a day.
"That was my goal [to win]," McGrath said after the race. "I broke it open at about four miles. It was a good feeling to be able to execute the plan that I had."
Even though he was sore, McGrath had only limited time for interviews. He was on his way out for another run.
Additionally, Malverne's Peter Hawkins, 39, won his 12th Long Island Marathon in the push wheelchair category, finishing in 2:23:53. Hawkins, who was competing in the race for the 14th time, described the weather conditions as a hindrance to his performance. But despite the obstacles he persevered.
"By mile four my left hand was slipping off the wheel as if I had Vaseline on it," Hawkins said. "It was very frustrating. [By the end] my arms were bleeding. But any time you complete a marathon, it is a tremendous sense of accomplishment."
Other top finishers in the Heralds' Nassau County coverage area were Robert Ostroff of Bellmore, fifth, men's marathon, 2:50:43; Marlene Mignano of Merrick, second, women's marathon, 3:14:10; Debbie Cuttitta of Bellmore, third, 3:16:39; Susan Skidmore of Bellmore, fifth, 3:19:32; Vinko Markovina of Merrick, fifth, men's half marathon, 1:16:14; Meredith LaRossa of Bellmore, third, women's half marathon, 1:30:25; Loretta Costalas of Oceanside, seventh, 1:33:05; Diane Bownes of Baldwin, eighth, 1:33:38; and Jack Beaulieu of Rockville Centre, first, wheelchair (crank), 1:34:10.
