October and cross-country running are almost synonymous for most runners, and the 3rd Annual Run for Their Lives 8 Kilometer Cross Country Run is a perfect way for local runners to get in the swing of things. The date is Sunday, Oct. 27, the place is Bethpage State Park, and runners from Levittown and the rest of Long Island can look forward to an exhilarating morning of running through the beautiful (and runner friendly) cross-country trails that abound in the park.

The run will once again serve as the Long Island Track & Field Cross Country Championship for 2002, and $100 each will be awarded to the top male and female open and top male and female masters finishers. There will be snazzy awards for the top three male and female finishers in each 5-year-age group through 75 and over, plus the top male and female Clydesdale runners in each of two weight divisions.

Bring the youngsters! The 8K run will be preceded by one-mile run/walk for life that will give them a nice taste of what cross-country running is all about.

Every entrant in the 8K run will receive a top quality long sleeve T-shirt. There will be terrific post-race refreshments, courtesy of Trader Joe's. The entire net proceeds will go to benefit the North Shore Animal League America, a non-profit humane society based in Port Washington and dedicated to finding the best possible home for orphaned animals (even blind, deaf or otherwise disabled pets) and the Alex Lewyt Veterinary Medical Center, a full service medical facility for the needy animals at North Shore Animal League America.

Race administration and management will be handled by the Greater Long Island Running Club, and timing and course measurement will be by Ed Melnik of The Big Finish.

Other upcoming running events in October include the Fly With the Angels 4 Mile Run in Eisenhower Park on Oct. 12, the Town of Oyster Bay Supervisor's Oyster Festival 5 Kilometer Run on Oct. 19, the GLIRC Six Hour 60th Birthday Run at Sunken Meadow State Park on Oct. 20, and the GLIRC Halloween Fun Run at The Runner's Edge in Farmingdale on Oct. 31.

For entry forms or more information for any of these events, call the club at (516) 349-7646.