Sayville Running Company Celebrates Grand Opening

Although the Sayville Running Company is not new to town, they are new to Sayville's downtown scene and their over the weekend with a grand opening ceremony.

"In this challenging economy, it is encouraging to know that small business can still thrive and contribute to the vitality of our downtowns," said Town of Islip Supervisor Phil Nolan at the ceremony. "I am here today to congratulate two savvy young entrepreneurs – – who opened the Sayville Running Company in 2004 starting with a small storefront in West Sayville. The Sayville Running Company is more than just a store for athletic paraphernalia. They have proven to be an invaluable resource to the community – providing guidance and support for many organizations seeking to launch charitable roads races."

In the last five years, Sayville Running Company has helped to raise more than $200,000 for charity. That includes the $50,000 the Town of Islip raised in its first Long Island MacArthur 5K Race for Vets. "The 5K run at the airport was a big idea – but it took a lot of expertise to get it right. These guys provided much of that expertise," Nolan added.

The duo is known for their charitable contributions, knowledgeable staff and willingness to lend a helping hand. The is one such example, giving back to the community via the four races. Earlier this month, the first annual was held on just three weeks notice with help from the pair. Next year, the Long Island MacArthur Run for Veterans will be added to the series as the kick off race for a total of five.

The new space in the old home of Violets Blue on Main Street in the heart of town has been vacant for more than a year. At 3,000 square feet, the Running Company's new location is almost double the square footage of its old space and also offers increased visibility. "There was a lot of last minute set up here last night," Barrett said, in order to get the store prepared for its grand opening celebration. "We had a lot of our friends here helping us out, we ordered some pizza and everything came together."

Outside the store, there was a little music to get the party started. There was plenty of coffee, hot chocolate, bagels, cookies and bananas for those who decided to participate in the at 10 a.m. The store was offering a 20-percent discount coupon on one item. There will also be another coupon offered for Black Friday shoppers and another Prediction Run is being planned for early December to benefit Toys For Tots.