Marcum & Kliegman LLP, Long Island's largest accounting and consulting firm, has assumed the title sponsorship of the 2006 "Marcum & Kliegman Long Island Workplace Challenge." This event will be taking the place of a similar event entitled the JP Morgan Chase Corporate Challenge, which had been Long Island's largest participatory sports event for the past two decades. The event is a 3.5-mile road run/fun walk, in which employers from across the Island enter and compete with teams of their employees.

The inaugural Marcum & Kliegman Long Island Workplace Challenge will take place at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Ju1y 25, at beautiful Jones Beach State Park. Hundreds of Long Island workplaces - from the smallest of businesses to the largest of corporations - will enter teams consisting of their employees.

A percentage of the proceeds will be donated to two charities: the Children's Medical Fund and Skills Unlimited, Inc.

In addition to the awards ceremonies for the top-performing workplace teams, top-performing CEO and Best T-Shirt Design, post-race festivities will include employers establishing tents/picnics for their employee participants and their families to celebrate.

"We are proud, honored and energized about assuming the role of primary sponsor for this legendary athletic and festive event," stated Jeffrey Weiner, Managing Partner of Marcum & Kliegman LLP. "The Marcum & Kliegman Long Island Workplace Challenge embraces everything that Long Island employers and their great people are all about: teamwork, spirit and dedication to achievement. It is once again going to be a great event for Long Island."

The Workplace run/walk concept has a very long and storied tradition on Long Island. For 20 years, Long Island has hosted a similar event, The Corporate Challenge, under the title sponsorship of JPMorgan Chase. For 2006 and for the next five years, Marcum & Kliegman will be the key sponsor for the event. Participating sponsors currently include ADP, Farrell Fritz, P.C., New York Sports Clubs, and the Runner's Edge of Fanningdale.

The Greater Long Island Running Club (GLIRC), which had managed the Chase event, will continue as the manager of the Marcum & Kliegman Workplace Challenge.

"The Marcum & Kliegman Long Island Workplace Challenge will continue to honor the tradition of the past and bring a significant new dimension to the run/walk in 2006 and for years to come. The Greater Long Island Running Club is pleased to be involved," said Mindy Davidson, Marcum & Kliegman Long Island Workplace Challenge race director and GLIRC vice president. "With an anticipated 250 organizations and over 7,500 employees expected to participate, it's also Long Island's largest and most exciting office picnic," she added.

Founded in 1951, Marcum & Kliegman LLP, Certified Public Accountants and Consultants, (www.mkllp.com) has grown from providing traditional tax and accounting services to a firm offering extensive financial and consulting services to a diverse and growing clientele. The firm is headquartered on Long Island in Melville and has offices in New York City, Riverhead, Grand Cayman and Greenwich, CT. Marcum & Kliegman's 32 partners and nearly 300 professionals are dedicated to serving their clients' needs.

For information about the event, and as to how companies, not-for-profits, and government agencies can become part of what will be a great evening on July 25, call Mindy Davidson at the GLIRC office at 349-7649.