Women and girls of all ages and levels of ability are invited to be part of the 20th annual Vytra Health Plans Long Island Women's 5 Kilometer Run, to be held on the roads of Farmingdale on Saturday, July 19.

This year's run will once again be conducted by the Greater Long Island Running Club (GLIRC) and will again be directed by GLIRC's Ellen Weinstein, with Doreen Isenberg once again serving as the coordinator of elite athletes. The 2003 edition of the run will again be part of the KeySpan Grand Prix of Long Island Road Races, conducted under the auspices of Long Island Track and Field.

This will be the seventh straight year that Vytra Health Plans have provided their support for this event and GLIRC is most appreciative for their continued sponsorship. They are additionally happy to have the backing of the Town of Oyster Bay, through the good offices of Supervisor John Venditto and Senator Carl Marcellino, who has once again secured a legislative initiative grant to help GLIRC support women's running and fitness on Long Island.

This year's run will be held on a lightning fast course through the roads of Farmingdale, finishing on the track at Farmingdale High School. Every entrant will receive a special commemorative women's shirt, along with special gift bags and every finisher will receive a rose at the finish. There will be $7,200 in prize money up for grabs - including $1,000 to be split among the top three Long Island residents to cross the finish line - courtesy of Bob Cook and The Runner's Edge of Farmingdale. GLIRC will also be awarding a total of $1,000 split among the top five open and top five masters racewalkers, $200 to the first wheelchair finisher and a special $50 prize to the first finisher age 70 or over. There will be award plaques to the top finishers in each of 14 age groups, plus racewalks and Clydesdales.

The main event will be preceded by a 1/4 mile fun run for future female Olympians age 12 and under, with special KeySpan Fun Run Medals presented to all fun run finishers. There will also be a pre-race stretching clinic conducted by Kate Quaranto and special entertainment treats for the youngsters. Free massage will be available for all participants.

A portion of the proceeds will go to the Women's Sports Foundation and all the good work that the foundation does to promote women's sports and fitness.

For entry forms or more information, call the Greater Long Island Running Club at 349-7646 or visit the club's website at www.glirc.org for online registration.