On August 31, the Saturday of Labor Day weekend, more than 600 runners, including boys, girls, men and women ranging in age from youngsters to oldsters, will take part in St. Christopher-Ottilie's 13th annual 5K run in the North Shore community of Sea Cliff. St. Christopher-Ottilie is one of the largest non-profit organizations in New York State, dedicated to serving more than 4,500 children and their families in need in Long Island and New York City. The runners will assemble and begin the race for the championship title at St. Christopher's Home, St. Christopher-Ottilie's Residential Treatment Center, 101 Downing Avenue, Sea Cliff. A Half-Pint Half-Mile race will kick off at 9 a.m., a Middle School Mile will start at 9:20 a.m. and at 9:45 a.m., the main race will begin.

Robert McMahon, St. Christopher-Ottilie's executive director, shared Mayor Moyne's enthusiasm. "This event is a celebration of the great relationship St. Christopher-Ottilie enjoys with the local community. The people of Sea Cliff have always embraced us and we thank everyone for their support and urge all of our friends to come out, run or walk for a great cause, and share in the fun!"

The race brings together a host of volunteers and sponsors from the village and its surrounding communities. According to Brian Boehm, a Sea Cliff resident and volunteer from the North Shore Kiwanis club, about 35 Kiwanians don yellow jackets and direct traffic at all corners of the course. Many villagers who live along the five-kilometer historical residential route come out to cheer the runners. The local fire department, Nassau County Police and village officials work with the St. Christopher-Ottilie staff to help coordinate safety procedures.

Prizes will be awarded to the top five male and female finishers in various categories. All runners in the Half-Pint Half-Mile (open to elementary schoolers) will earn medals. The winner of the Racer Raffle Prize will receive a 20" JVC Color TV.

Funds raised will help meet the needs of the children and families that benefit from St. Christopher-Ottilie's work. Title sponsors include 4C Foods Corporation, ChemRx Advanced Technologies, Tweezerman Personal Care Tools, and Rising Tide Natural Market.

There is a registration fee of $15 payable by August 21. Late registration, on the day of the race, is $20. Call Mary Ann Sweeney at St. Christopher-Ottilie's Development Office at 671-1253 for more information.