The 19th annual Mineola Mustang Run/Walk, the village's biggest fundraiser, will take place this year on Sunday, Nov. 23 with a one mile fun run at 9 a.m. and a 5K (3.1 mile) race at 10 a.m. The Mustang Run, which takes place rain or shine, has become a tradition in Mineola as numerous organizations benefit from the proceeds of the run.

Money raised will be divided among the Mineola Volunteer Ambulance Corps, Mineola Athletic Association, Mineola Police Athletic League, Mineola Auxiliary Police, Mineola Fire Department for life saving equipment, Mineola Historical Society and Mineola Youth and Family Services with special donations being made to the Cancer Center for Kids at Winthrop-University Hospital and Parent and Child Education Program, Inc. (PACE).

"I think everyone in the community is either touched by one of those organizations or will be in the future," said Mustang Committee Chairwoman and Village Trustee Linda Fairgrieve.

Now is the opportunity to give back to the organizations who give to the community the entire year.

The Mineola Mustang Run is also desperately seeking volunteers to ensure the safety of the runner and walkers, which is of paramount importance for the Mustang Run.

Trustee Fairgrieve asks Mineola residents that if they cannot volunteer, consider participating by running or walking in the Mustang Run. "I'd like to see a huge, local community turnout this year," she said.

The Mustang Run has grown over the years in terms of its popularity and number of runners and walkers participating. It is now considered a part of the KeySpan Grand Prix series, which includes some of the most prestigious races on Long Island.

Trustee Fairgrieve feels that participating in the Mustang Run is something that will not only benefit the community, but will also benefit the individual. She talked about the health benefits that come from exercising. "The new studies show that exercise even helps as far as controlling and preventing cancer," she said.

For the village trustee, the importance of exercise has hit home. It wasn't long ago that Trustee Fairgrieve had major heart surgery. Now, she runs three days a week, four miles a day. "If you told me prior to my heart surgery or even after that I would be able to run slowly for four miles, I would have said you were crazy," she said. "It's individual accomplishment. That's what it's all about and helping yourself as far as health."

Trustee Fairgrieve reminds prospective runners and walkers that you can participate in the Mustang Run as a serious runner or as an inexperienced runner who is just doing it for fun. "If I can do it, anyone can run or walk it and you should for yourself," she said.

For those who do wish to run or walk competitively, there will be trophies for the top three finishers, male and female, for each age group for the Fun Run and the Mustang Run/Walk.

There will also be plenty of raffle prizes including a bicycle, donated by Hempstead Lincoln/Mercury and Garden City Saab, and a 25'' color TV, donated by Long Island Checker Cab.

In the Mineola Middle School gym, where runners and walkers will check in, there will be plenty of drinks and food.

Pre-registration is $17, which includes a long sleeve shirt. Pre-registration entries must be post-marked by November 18. Late registration is $20. To register, makes checks payable to Mineola Mustang Run Committee Corp. and mail to The Big Finish, 16 Mitchell Avenue in Plainview, NY 11803 along with the entry form, which every resident in Mineola should have received. You can also apply online at www.mineolamustangrun.com. Runners and walkers can also register the day of the race.

Those participating in the Mustang Run/Walk should arrive at the check-in time of 8 a.m. at the check-in location, Mineola Middle School, 200 Emory Road.

All volunteers should report to Mineola Middle School at 7:45 a.m. The event will be over by approximately 11 a.m. All volunteers will receive a long sleeve shirt. If you are interested in volunteering, call Linda Fairgrieve at 294-5914.