Runners and walkers of all ages and levels of ability from Plainview-Old Bethpage, Syosset, Jericho, and Woodbury are invited to test their training and endurance levels by being a part of the 9th annual Lazer, Aptheker, Rosella & Yedid Kings Park 15 Kilometer Run. The run will take place on Saturday, March 11, starting at 9:15 a.m. at the W.T. Rogers Middle School on Old Dock Road in Kings Park.

In 2004 and 2005, the bulk of the proceeds of the run were dedicated to the family of brain tumor patient Nichole O'Connor. In 2006, the proceeds of the Run will once again be donated to needy families who have been affected by the scourge of brain tumors. A portion of the proceeds will also once again be donated to support local athletic programs.

The law firm of Lazer, Aptheker, Rosella & Yedid, P.C. has stepped forward to be the title sponsor of this 9th edition of the Run once again, and Run Director Steven Toto of the Greater Long Island Running Club is thrilled to have them return - especially since several of the partners in the firm will themselves once again be taking the challenge of the hills of Kings Park.

Local runners have always played a prominent role in the Kings Park 15 Kilometer Run. In the 2005 edition of the Run, top local finishers included Yoram Haase of Plainview (1:19:47), Barry Jerson of Plainview (1:20:07), Stacy Smith of Syosset (1:20:23), Frank Jacovino of Plainview (1:22:51), Larry Kurtzman of Plainview (1:28:03), and Ira Bellach of Syosset (1:45:57).

The Kings Park 15K is a perfect tough training run for those who are setting their sights on a Spring Marathon or Half Marathon. It features some of the most beautiful vistas - and most challenging hills - on Long Island's North Shore. Kings Park is very much not your usual fast, flat course - but for those of you who want to test themselves, the place to do it is Kings Park on Saturday, March 11. (For the youngsters - and anyone else who isn't up to the 15 Kilometer distance - there will also be a 1/2 mile Fun Run/Fun Walk).

Every entrant in the 15K Run will receive one of the distinctive high quality long sleeve shirts specially designed for the Kings Park Run, and every entrant in the Fun Run will be presented with a special commemorative medal when he or she crosses the finish line.

Awards will be given to the top male and female finisher, to the top three male and female finishers in each of 14 five year age groups, up through age 75 and older, and the top three male and female finishers in each of two "Clydesdale" weight divisions, and the top three male and female wheelchair racers.

The entry fee for the 2006 15K Run has been kept at $18 if you sign up by March 4, $20 between March 5 and March 10, and $25 for those who wait until the day of the Run to register. (50 percent discount to all runners under 16 who register by March 10). The entry fee for the Fun Run has been reduced to $4 for preregistrants and $5 for latecomers.

For entry forms or more information, call Run Director Steven Toto at 349-7646.