Local residents who want to test themselves beyond the marathon distance of 26 miles, 385 yards, that marks the ultimate accomplishment for most runners, are invited to take part in the "ultra marathon" on Saturday, May 19.

Literally, an ultra marathon is any race in excess of the marathon distance, but in practice the "shortest" ultra marathon distance is 50 kilometers, and the most popular distance after that is 50 miles. On May 19, those who strive to go those extra miles are invited to test their endurance by participating in the sixth annual Long Island Endurance Runs.

The program will include a 50K (31 mile) run and a 50 mile run, both of which will start and finish at "Fireman's Field" in Oyster Bay. The 50 mile run will start at 7 a.m. and the 50K run will begin at 8:30 a.m. The event is being hosted by the Greater Long Island Running Club (GLIRC), with Nick Palazzo and Don Butchin serving as co-chairmen of the race committee.

All endurance runners who want to test themselves against the hills of Long Island's North Shore are welcome to enter either of these events. The entry fee is $45 for the 50K run and $50 for the 50 mile run if entries are received by May 5. Late entries are $50 for the 50 kilometer run and $60 for the 50 mile run.

Both courses will take runners through the rolling hills of the northern portions of the Towns of Oyster Bay and Huntington. Each entrant will receive a special commemorative shirt, and each finisher will receive a special token of his or her accomplishment. There will be aid stations strategically spaced throughout the course.

"Running an ultra marathon is not for everyone," observed veteran endurance athlete Nick Palazzo, "But a 50 kilometer run is certainly within the reach of anyone who has successfully completed a marathon. For those who are especially anxious to test the limits of their endurance, the 50 miler will certainly provide that test. It's not for everyone, but veteran marathoners will never know just what they are capable of until they try that extra distance."

For entry forms or more information about the LI Endurance Runs, call Nick Palazzo at the GLIRC office, 349-7646 or go to the club's website at www.glirc.org.