Applications are now available and online registration is now open for the 2008 Arrow Exterminating Company Long Island Women's 5K Run.

This will be the 25th anniversary edition of the run, which is Long Island's only running event that is for women only. It will be held on Saturday, July 19 starting and finishing at Farmingdale High School. The proceeds of the run will once again be dedicated to the fight against ovarian cancer, through the good work being done by "Long Island Oceans" whose mission is "bringing light to all GYN Cancers." Women of all ages and levels of ability are urged to attend this important event for women!

Every entrant in the 5K will receive a top quality textured shirt especially designed for women. The run will be followed by great post-race refreshments, a giant post-race merchandise giveaway and free massage.

Awards will be presented to the top ten women overall, the top five finishers in 14 separate age groups, the top five open and masters racewalkers and the top five finishers in each of two Athena Weight Divisions. Special awards will go to the first five finishers who are ovarian or GYN cancer survivors and, new this year, the first five finishers who are doing their first 5K run.

The 5K run will be preceded by the "Little Women's 1/4 Mile Fun Run" for future Olympians under the age of 12, and each finisher in the Fun Run will receive a medal when she crosses the finish line.

The run will be staged once again by the Greater Long Island Running Club (GLIRC) with GLIRC's Rosemary Camilleri serving again as the race director with the assistance of new Deputy Race Director Debbie Blair. Computerized scoring and results will be provided by Tri and Du It Multisport, using the AMB Chip Timing System.

"We are thrilled to be able to welcome a responsible and community-minded Long Island based business like Arrow Exterminating Company as our title sponsor once again this year," observed Race Director Rosemary Camilleri of the GLIRC. "Arrow Exterminating is well known for deploying nature-based methods when appropriate, and using pesticides judiciously to keep customers safe. Best of all, they rely on real science to get the job done, with a staff entomologist to teach workers how bugs behave in order to most effectively devise tactics that actually work! And Arrow is a business managed by women - sisters, Jackie Grabin and Debby Tappan - making it an especially perfect sponsor for a race dedicated to women!"

In addition to Arrow Exterminating Company, other businesses that have committed to sponsoring the 2008 Run include the Farmingdale-based Runner's Edge running and multisport specialty store, Aesthetic Surgeon Dr. Zachary E. Gerut, Long Island Sports and Rehabilitation Center and Tweezerman. Oyster Bay Town and Supervisor John Venditto will once again be cooperating to assure the success of the event and New York State Senator Carl Marcellino will continue what has been over a decade of support.

The entry fee for the 5K is $21 for those who register by July 11; $22 for those who register between July 12-18; and $25 on the day of the race. Runners under the age of 16 who register by July 11 will receive a 50 percent discount. The 1/4 mile Fun Run is absolutely free. For applications call Linda at the GLIRC at 349-7646 or register online at www.glirc.org. Anyone interested in volunteering should contact Carl Grossbard at (631) 587-0895.