Runners of all ages and levels of abilities from the Massapequas and Farmingdale are invited to test themselves with Long Island's ultimate road running challenge - the sixth annual Kings Park 15 Kilometer Run.

The run will take place on Sunday, March 23, starting at 9:15 a.m. at the WT Rogers Middle School on Old Dock Road in Kings Park. The proceeds of the run will be donated to the American Brain Tumor Foundation, Kings Park athletic programs and other deserving charities.

The Kings Park Run is a major challenge in its own right, and can also serve as a perfect tough training run for those preparing for a spring half marathon or marathon. The run will feature some of the most beautiful vistas - and most challenging hills - on Long Island's North Shore. For those who aren't up to the 15 Kilometer distance, there will also be a half mile Fun Run/Fun Walk.

The prestigious law firm of Lazer, Aptheker, Rosella & Yedid, PC, has once again stepped forward to be the primary sponsor of this sixth edition of the run, and race organizers are thrilled to have them return - especially since several of the partners in the firm will themselves once again be taking the challenge of the kills of Kings Park.

The run will be conducted under the auspices of the Greater Long Island Running Club. Mary Ellen Stajk, a member of the club's executive board, will serve as the race director once again this year. This year's Kings Park 15 Kilometer Run will once again be part of the KeySpan Grand Prix of Long Distance Running conducted under the auspices of Long Island Track & Field, and will serve as Long Island Track & Field's 15 Kilometer Championship Race for 2003.

Top local finishers in the 2002 edition of the run included Robert Spina of Massapequa, who was 27th overall in a field of 775 finishers, Mike Mahlan of Massapequa in 40th place overall, Gerard Ford of Massapequa in 63rd place overall, Lawrence Young of Massapequa, who scored second in the Clydesdale 200 pound plus weight division, and Mary Ann Goldman of Farmingdale, who was the top finisher among the women in the 55-59 age group.

Every entrant in the 15K Run will receive one of the distinctive high quality long-sleeve shirts specially designed for the Kings Park Run and every entrant in the Fun Run will be presented with a special commemorative medal when he or she crosses the finish line.

Awards will be given to the top male and female finisher, to the top three male and female finishers in each of 14 five-year age groups, up through age 75 and older, and the top three male and female finishers in each of two "Clydesdale" weight division, and the top three male and female wheelchair racers. There will be $100 cash prizes for the first place male and female runners, $50 for the first place male and female Masters (age 40 plus) runners, $50 for the first place male and female Senior Masters (age 50 plus) runners and $100 for the first place male and female wheelchair finishers. A $100 bonus will be awarded to the first place male and female finisher if he or she breaks the course record. The current course records of 51:15 by Rafael Veras and 58:10 by Farmingdale resident Donna McMahon were both set in the 2001 edition of the run.

The entry fee for the 2003 15K Run has been set at $18 for those who pre-register by March 16, $20 for those who register between March 17 and March 22, and $25 for those who wait until the morning of the run to register. The entry fee for the Fun Run has been set at $5 for pre-registrants and $6 for late comers.

"We are very grateful to the outstanding athletes from Farmingdale and the Massapequas who have helped make this event a success over the years," Race Director Mary Ellen Stajk said. "We look forward to welcoming still more runners on March 23 to test themselves on the hills of Kings Park."

For entry forms or more information, call the Greater Long Island Running Club at 349-7646.