Registration is now open for the 20th Annual Runner's Edge-Tobay Triathlon and Tri-Relay, to be held Sunday, Aug. 19 at Theodore Roosevelt Memorial Park in Oyster Bay, according to Town Councilman Chris Coschignano. The festivities begin at 7:30 a.m. sharp.

"The triathlon, which is the biggest event of its kind on Long Island, is always a success because it is open to everyone," Coschignano said. "The course includes a 1K (5/8 of a mile) 'out and back' swim in Oyster Bay Harbor. Next, participants bike approximately 15K through Oyster Bay, Laurel Hollow and Cove Neck. For those who aren't familiar with the area, the route selected is beautiful country, but is fairly hilly."

The councilman added that while the final 2.9 miles to the finish line are downhill, which is often a relief to participants, that is not the end.

"For the last leg of the competition, triathletes run a 5K race through Mill Neck and Brookville, up to Planting Fields Arboretum and back down to Theodore Roosevelt Memorial Park," Coschignano said. "The competition is open to individuals, as well as to relay teams, which gives more people an opportunity to participate."

The entry fee for individuals is between $35 and $100 for Town residents, depending upon the date the application is received. Non-residents may enter for a slightly higher fee.

Coschignano added that entry forms for the Triathlon and Tri-Relay, which is presented by the Town of Oyster Bay and the Runner's Edge, as well as the Greater Long Island Running Club, are available at the Town of Oyster Bay Parks Department, Town Hall South, 977 Hicksville Road, Massapequa.

Residents can also register online at www.glirc.org. Race packet pickup will be held at the Runner's Edge in Farmingdale on Thursday, Aug. 16 from noon to 8 p.m., at Theodore Roosevelt Memorial Park on Saturday, Aug. 18, noon to 4 p.m., and again on Sunday, Aug. 19 from 5:45 to 7 a.m. There is no race weekend registration. Acceptance of registration entries will be cut off once the 1,200 entry limit is reached.

The councilman noted that this event is being held in memory of triathlete Gerald Kaufman. Proceeds for this event are to be donated to the Long Island Alzheimer's Foundation, the Gerald Kaufman Memorial Fund and Friends of the Bay.

For further information, call the Greater Long Island Running Club at 349-7646 or visit www.glirc.org.