Organizers of the inaugural Lovenox Five-Mile Race for Cardiac Wellness are being pleasantly surprised by the strong early response to their event, to be held on Sunday morning, Oct. 31, starting and finishing at Nassau County's Cantiague Park on East John Street in Hicksville.

Although it's obviously too soon to tell for sure just how well the race will do, it is beginning to look like local runners will be out in force for the event. Race organizers are especially hopeful of attracting some of the top runners from the Plainview-Old Bethpage community to Cantiague Park on Oct. 31, including such local stars as top local over-40 runner Lori Harfenes Melnik of Plainview. The fact that the race is part of the KeySpan Energy Grand Prix Series of road races is expected to bring most of Long Island's top runners to the starting line.

Oyster Bay Town Councilman Martin J. Massell will be joining New York State Assemblyman Marc Herbst to help present the awards to the top finishers in the race.

The registration fee is $16 for those who register in advance and $20 for those who register on the day of the Race.

"We are thrilled that the initial response to the Lovenox Five-Mile Race for Cardiac Wellness has been so strong," observed Rhone-Poulenc Rorer spokesperson Christine J. Rice. "Our organization has been a national sponsor for the American Heart Association and we are looking to strengthen our commitment to include more emphasis on a community-based level. We are confident that this race will help us all take strides toward the very important goal of cardiac wellness."

The race will be managed by the Greater Long Island Running Club under the direction of Club President Mike Planks. Technical direction will be provided by David Katz of Finish Line Road Race Technicians. Scoring will be by the new "ChampionChip System." Awards will be presented to the top male and female runners overall, to the top three males and females in each of 14 5-year age groups, starting with 14 and under and running through 75 and older; and to the top three male and female wheelchair athletes. There will also be a special "Medical Division" with awards being presented to the first three male and female physicians to cross the finish line, as well as the first three male and female finishers in a special category for nurses, nurse practitioners, physicians' assistants, and registered pharmacists. Everyone who registers will receive a special commemorative T-shirt.

For more information and/or entry forms for the inaugural Lovenox Five-Mile Race For Cardiac Wellness, call the Greater Long Island Running Club at 349-7646.