Walkers, runners and wheelchair racers are asked to join in the 4th Annual Race for Spinal Victory to be held at Jones Beach on Sunday, April 13. Participants can choose to tackle the 5K run or walk or may compete in a more challenging 10-mile race. Raffle prizes, including a giant flat screen TV, will also be awarded. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Testaverde Fund for Spinal Cord Injuries, Inc. (TFSCI) and the Long Island Spinal Cord Injury Resource Center, which offers support and assistance to the victims of spinal cord injuries and their families.

The entry fee for participants is $25 if postmarked by March 31; or $30 on race day. Walkers/runners who are 14 years of age or younger pay a reduced entry fee of $15 and $20, respectively, and children's groups should call ahead for special pricing. Applications and sponsor sheets can be downloaded at the organization's website www.testaverdefund.org or can be obtained by contacting Race Director Robin Waltman at 221-6162 or by emailing runwithrobin@yahoo.com.

Participants may check in and pick up their race numbers early on Saturday, April 12 at Runner's Edge, 242 Main Street, Farmingdale, between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. or at a pre-race Pasta Party at Mulcahy's Pub, 3234 Railroad Avenue, Wantagh on Thursday, April 10 from 5 to 7 p.m. All others must check-in and register at Jones Beach (Parking Field 5) between 6:30 and 7:30 a.m. on race day. The race/walk begins promptly at 8 a.m.

Post-race refreshments will be offered and a post-race Awards Ceremony will begin at 9 a.m. for the 5K run/walk, followed at 10 a.m. for the 10-mile run. Regular raffle prizes will be awarded at both ceremonies and the special raffle for flat screen TV will be drawn at the first ceremony and announced again at the second ceremony.

"We help individuals with spinal cord injuries and their families secure assistance, information and the technological devices that can make a dramatic difference in their lives," said Anthony Testaverde, vice president of TFSCHI. "Our organization will also continue to speak out in support of stem cell research, which is the ultimate gift we can give to individuals with spinal cord injuries."

Testaverde added that participants and sponsors are still needed. "Individual pledges and corporate sponsorships are needed to help make this event a success. Last year we had an amazing response from both large corporate sponsors and local businesses," he said, adding that, so far for this year's event, sponsors include Runner's Edge, Muscle and Fitness Magazine, Coca-Cola, Mulcahy's and King Kullen. "Runners are welcome to help us extend that list to other restaurants and retailers and local businesses. We also encourage participants to solicit pledges from friends and families," Testaverde said.

For every $50 in contributions, participants receive one ticket to our special raffle and can waive their entry fee. "Last year's event drew more than 500 participants and we hope to double that this year," he said.