Runners from the Massapequas and Farmingdale are invited to test themselves in the third edition of the Kings Park 15 Kilometer Run, to be held on Sunday, March 19. The entire proceeds of the run will 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 full-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 the 15K Run will receive one of the distinctive high quality long sleeve T-shirts specially designed for the Kings Park Run, and every entrant in the Fun Run will be presented with a special 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.

Special $100 cash prizes will be presented to the top male and female finishers overall, $50 to the male and female Masters finishers (age 40 plus) and $50 to the top male and female wheelchair finishers.

The event will be administered by the Greater Long Island Running Club, and will be co-chaired by running club's Executive Board Member Mary Ellen Stajk and Don Butchin. David Katz of Finish Line Road Race Technicians will provide technical direction. There will be five water stations out on the course, great post run refreshments and a huge post run raffle with all entrants eligible to win.

This year's Kings Park 15 kilometer Run will be part of the KeySpan Grand Prix of Long Distance Running conducted under the auspices of Long Island Track and Field, and will serve as Long Island Track and Field's 15 Kilometer Championship Race for 2000.

"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 the run's co-chair Mary 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."

The entry fee for the 15 kilometer run has been set at $17 for those who pre-register and $25 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 pre-registrants and $7 on the day of the race. The entire net proceeds of both events will be turned over to help the good work being performed by the Children's Brain Tumor Foundation.

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