Nassau County Executive Thomas R. Suozzi and RexCorp Chairman Scott Rechler have announced the addition of a 5K race to this year's RexCorp Long Island Marathon "Festival of Races" taking place May 3-4. The Long Island Marathon, recognized as one of Long Island's most prestigious sporting events, is celebrating its 36th anniversary.

The 5K Race will be held on Saturday, May 3, at 8 a.m., in the "Hub" area around the Nassau Coliseum, beginning on Charles Lindbergh Boulevard. In addition, the "Oasis Kidz Fun Run" will be held at Mitchel Athletic Complex the same day, at 2 p.m. (children are invited to arrive at 1:30 p.m. to color their race numbers). On Sunday, May 4, the Long Island Marathon, Half-Marathon and 10K races take place. The weekend celebration also includes a pasta party for runners on May 2, at the Cradle of Aviation Museum, while a "Runners' Expo" will be held at Mitchel Athletic Complex on May 1 - 3.

The Long Island Marathon and Half-Marathon will begin in the Hub, passing Museum Row, the Nassau Coliseum, RexCorp's Omni Building, Nassau Community College and Mitchel Athletic Complex. The route will continue through the Village of Westbury to Jericho Turnpike, then go to Brush Hollow Road and Carman Avenue (Wantagh Parkway for full marathoners) before finishing in Eisenhower Park. Entertainment will be provided along the race route, and an enhanced post-race program and refreshments offered.

The 10K race will also begin in the Hub on Charles Lindbergh Boulevard and will circumnavigate Eisenhower Park along Merrick Avenue, Old Country Road, Salisbury Park Drive and Carman Avenue. Awards will be given in all races by age category.

Online registration is available for all races through April 30, with late registration for the full and half-marathon and 10K on May 1-3 and for the 5K on May 1-2 at the Marathon Expo at Mitchel Athletic Complex. For more information and applications, visit "www.thelimarathon.com" or call 516-572-0248. There is no charge or pre-registration for the Oasis Kidz Fun Run.

For more information about the Nassau County Department of Parks, Recreation and Museums, visit www.nassaucountyny.gov/parks or call 516-572-0200.