All women runners and walkers from the Massapequas, Farmingdale and nearby communities are urged to sign up for the 23rd Long Island Women's 5 Kilometer Run, scheduled for Saturday, July 8, at 9:00 a.m.

This year's run will once again be held on a lightning fast course through the Farmingdale community, finishing on the track at Farmingdale High School. Every entrant will receive a commemorative woman's shirt, as well as other surprise gifts.

The Vytra Women's Run is dedicated to the memory of Christine E. Vaccaro and her courageous battle against ovarian cancer, with proceeds going to Long Island Oceans, an advocacy organization comprised of dedicated volunteers committed to promoting awareness of ovarian cancer and other gynecologic cancers.

For the tenth consecutive year, Vytra Health Plans has been the title sponsor of the event. "As part of Vytra's ongoing efforts to promote wellness in the community, we are proud to sponsor this popular event," said Dan McGowan, president and COO of Vytra's parent company, HIP Health Plan of New York. "The Vytra Women's Run reinforces the importance of exercise and healthy living for all individuals."

Other supporters include The Runner's Edge specialty shop in Farmingdale, PKL Physical Therapy, Tweezerman, and the Long Island Sports & Rehabilitation Center in Garden City.

The Vytra Women's Run has earned government support from New York State Senator Carl Marcellino, who has once again secured a Legislative Initiative Grant to help support women's running and fitness on Long Island through this event, and the Town of Oyster Bay, through the office of Town Supervisor John Venditto, which plays an active role in the event.

The Vytra Women's Run will be managed by the Greater Long Island Running Club, with Rosemary Camilleri serving as the Race Director and Amy Goldstein directing the "Little Women's Fun Run" that precedes the main event. The 2006 Vytra Women's Run is part of the Grand Prix of Long Island Road Races, under the auspices of Long Island Track & Field, and will be the 2006 Long Island Track & Field Women's Championship event.

Over the years, the Vytra Women's Run has attracted female athletes of international acclaim, giving them the opportunity to test their skills on the roads of Long Island. Women's world marathon record holder Catherine Ndereba of Kenya won in 2001 and 2002, Rumanian national champion Luminita Talpos took first place honors in 2003, Russian Olympic hopefuls Tatiana Chulakh and Tatyana Hlayde were the 2004 and 2005 winners respectively, with U.S. champions Anne Marie Letko, Cathy O'Brien and Kathy Franey Fleming also on the list of past winners.

For entry forms or information, call the GLIRC office at 349-7646 or visit the Club's website at www.glirc.org.