Runners, walkers and wheelchair athletes from the Massapequas, Farmingdale and nearby communities are cordially invited to enter the 12th annual David Lerner Associates Long Island Police Appreciation Run to be held on Thursday evening, June 5 at Eisenhower Park in East Meadow.

The Long Island brokerage firm of David Lerner Associates ("The Asset Builders") has signed on to be the title sponsor of the run once again this year. Thanks to the generosity of David Lerner, the entire proceeds will once again be turned over to the special Police Crisis Fund that has been established to aid Nassau and Suffolk County law enforcement officers and their families in time of emergency. In the 12 years of its existence, the fund has distributed nearly $150,000 to local police officers and their families.

The entry fee for the run is $18 for those who enter in advance and $20 for those who enter on the day of the run. All entrants will receive special 12th anniversary commemorative shirts. Awards will be presented to the top three male runners and the top three female runners in each of 14 (five year) age groups, ranging from 14 and under to 75 and over, as well as to the top wheelchair racers. Special awards will also be presented in the "Law Enforcement" Division to the top three open male, open female, masters (age 40 and over) male and masters female law enforcement officers to cross the finish line.

Runners from Farmingdale and the Massapequas were especially prominent in last year's run, highlighted by Farmingdale's own Donna McMahon, who scored as the first woman overall. Race organizers are hoping for another big turnout of local runners to show their appreciation for the police - and to provide much-needed funding for the Police Crisis Fund.

"Runners have a special reason for saying thank you to our law enforcement officers," said Race Director Ira Eskow. "Without the enthusiastic support of county and local police departments, road racing as we know it in Nassau and Suffolk Counties could simply not exist. But whether you are a runner or not, everyone owes a tremendous debt to the outstanding men and women who make up Long Island's police forces. They are truly 'Long Island's Finest' and I join with the generous folks at David Lerner Associates in looking for a big outpouring of people from all over the New York Metropolitan area on June 5 to show them just how much they are appreciated."

For entry forms of more information about the David Lerner Associates Police Appreciation Run, contact the Greater Long Island Running Club at 349-7646, or visit the club's website at www.glirc.org.