Runners from Levittown are invited to test themselves in the second edition of the Kings Park 15 Kilometer Run, to be held on Sunday, March 21, with the entire net proceeds to be dedicated to the Children's Brain Tumor Foundation. The starting gun will go off at 9:15 a.m. at the W. T. Rogers Middle School on Old Dock Road in Kings Park.

Billed 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 1/2 Mile Fun Run/Fun Walk.

Every entrant in either the 15K or the Fun Run will receive one of the long sleeve T-shirts specially designed for the Kings Park Run, and every entrant in the Fun Run will be presented with a 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 over, and the top three male and female finishers in each of two "Clydesdale" weight divisions. The top three male and female wheelchair finishers will also receive awards.

The event will be administered by the Greater Long Island Running Club, and will be co-chaired by Running Club Vice President Don Butchin and Running Club executive board member Mary Ellen Stajk. David Katz of Finish Line Road Race Technicians will provide technical direction. The primary sponsor of the 1999 Kings Park 15 Kilometer Run is the Melville law firm of Lazer, Aptheker, Feldman, Rosella & Yedid, LLP. There will be a free babysitting service available for all 15K Run entrants, great post-Run refreshments, and a huge post-Run raffle, with all entrants eligible to win.

"This is not your typical 'fast, flat' course for those who are out just to see how fast they can run on an easy course," noted Run Co-Chair Mary Ellen Stajk. "It has been specially designed to accommodate those who are looking for something a little bit more testing, who want to challenge themselves with something tougher than the usual weekend 5K. For those who are planning to run a half marathon or full marathon this spring, it will be a perfect test of where they are in their training. Last March in Kings Park, the challenge began. This year on March 21 in Kings Park...the challenge continues!"

Levittown residents were especially prominent in the first annual Kings Park 15 Kilometer Run in 1998, with Levittown resident Carlos Castro, Jr. finishing in first place overall in 52 minutes, 42 seconds. Castro is expected back this year to defend his title.

The entry fee for the 15 Kilometer Run has been set at $17 for those who preregister and $20 for those who wait for the day of the run to sign up. The entry fee for the Fun Run has been set at $6 for preregistrants and $7 day-of-race. The entire net proceeds of both events will be turned over to the Children's Brain Tumor Foundation.

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