October and cross country running are almost synonymous for most runners, and the Long Island Hotels Run for Their Dreams 8 Kilometer Cross Country Run is a perfect way for local runners to get in the swing of things. The date is Sunday, Oct. 26, the place is Bethpage State Park, and runners from all over Long Island and beyond can look forward to an exhilarating morning of running through the beautiful (and runner friendly) cross country trails that abound in the park.

The entire net proceeds of the run will go to benefit The Center for Developmental Disabilities, a private nonprofit agency which provides a wide range of educational, residential and community-based services for individuals with autism and/or pervasive developmental and communication disabilities. The center's main campus is located on South Woods Road in Woodbury, across the street from Syosset High School. The Woodbury campus has a children's day and residential program. The adult program is headquartered on New South Road in Hicksville and has 18 distinct residential locations. The center is committed to its mission of helping children, adolescents and adults with differing abilities achieve their dreams by overcoming barriers to living, learning, working, and enjoying recreational opportunities in the community of their choice.

The run will once again serve as the Long Island Track & Field Cross Country Championship for 2003, and $100 each will be awarded to the top male and female open and top male and female masters finishers. There will be snazzy awards for the top three male and female finishers in each 5-year-age group through 75 and over, plus the top male and female Clydesdale runners in each of two weight divisions. Every entrant in the 8K Run will receive a top quality long-sleeved T-shirt.

Not up to running 8 kilometers? The 8K Run will be preceded by a 1 Mile Run/Walk for Life that will give you a nice taste of what cross country running is all about, and enable residents to support the center and all the important work it is doing.

Race administration and management will be handled by the Greater Long Island Running Club, and timing and course measurement will be by Ed Melnik of The Big Finish.

Run organizers are pleased to welcome Long Island Hotels ("Excellence in Hospitality") as the title sponsor of this important event. Launched in 1998 by two Long Island entrepreneurs, John A. Danzi and John C. Tsunis, Long Island Hotels develops, constructs and manages hotels for the business and leisure traveler that deliver the ambience, extraordinary personal service and first-rate facilities without the high prices normally associated with premier lodging. The staff at such of its properties as the Hampton Inn in Brookhaven and the Holiday Inn Express in Hauppauge is polite and knowledgeable and the facilities are first rate, resulting in an unsurpassed hotel product.

"This is going to be a very special morning for all concerned," observed CDD director of development, Deborah Patey. "We are mobilizing leaders of Long Island government and business to put together a spectacular event that will go a long way to help children, adolescents and adults with differing abilities overcome the barriers to leading normal lives. It is truly named a 'Run for Their Dreams.' "

The entry fee for the 8 Kilometer Run is only $18 for those who register in advance, and $20 for those who wait until the morning of the Run to sign up. The fee for the 1 Mile Run/Walk is $13 in advance and $15 or the morning of the run. For entry forms or more information about the Run, call the Greater Long Island Running Club at 349-7646. For more information about the important work being done by the Center for Developmental Disabilities, call Deboray Patey at 921-7650, ext. 415.