The Greater Long Island Running Club is launching a new "ultramarathon," the inaugural Caumsett State Historic Park 50 Kilometer Race on Sunday, March 2, and everyone is invited to participate.

The race will be held on a 2.3 loop on paved paths within the Park grounds in Lloyd Neck, starting at 10 a.m., with an optional early start of either 8 or 9 a.m. available for slower runners.

An ultramarathon is any event that is longer than the traditional 26.2-mile marathon distance. Ultra runners are a hardy breed and none is hardier than race director Vinny Croce of the host Greater Long Island Running Club. "This is a new event that will be very 'runner-friendly'," said Croce. "We are aiming to encourage every runner to try the longer distances and there is no better way to try an ultra than on a loop course in a beautiful park like Caumsett, with some outstanding scenic views overlooking Long Island Sound."

The entry fee has been set at $26 for those whose entries are received by Feb. 25, $30 for entries received between Feb. 26 and March 1, and $35 for those who wait for the day of the race to register. Members of the Greater Long Island Running Club and/or the Broadway Ultra Society are entitled to a $3 discount from the early entry fee only.

Wild by Nature, the great Long Island food market, has signed on to be the official food and drink sponsor of the event.

The Caumsett Run will be the kickoff event for the 2002 New York UltraRunning Grand Prix. For information or entry forms, call Vinny Croce at the GLIRC office at 349-7646.