Moms just wanna have fun on the run

Once upon a Zeitgeist, a typical "Girls Night Out" meant dinner and a movie, or maybe drinks after a long day of work or navigating supermarket aisles with wayward toddlers. But next month marks the debut of three unique events that aim to get women out of the house not only for a good time, but for good health and/or a good cause.

Run Like a Diva

WHEN | WHERE Sunday, Eisenhower Park, East Meadow. Girls' 5K (open to male and female runners) starts at 7:45 a.m., women only half-marathon at 8 a.m.

INFO runlikeadiva.com

REGISTRATION $90 half-marathon ($25 for 5K), online registration deadline is Wednesday. Participants may register in person ($100 half-marathon, $30 5K) noon-7 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday at 1 Charles Lindbergh Blvd. in Uniondale.

The inaugural Diva's Half-Marathon is "one part racing, one part kumbaya and girl power," says race director Robert Pozo, president of Continental Event and Sports Management Group, which is producing Women's National Running Series events around the country. All runners receive shirts, and the course has feather boa and tiara stations about a half-mile from the finish line. At the end of the race, participants will get a flute of Champagne, a red rose and "spinning diva medals" from a "handsome firefighter," Pozo says.

Additional events surrounding the half-marathon include a post-race dance party, an outdoor movie screening at Eisenhower Park at dusk Saturday night and a two-day health and fitness boutique, which is free and open to the public.

Party in Pink Zumbathon

WHEN | WHERE Various dates in October

INFO partyinpink.com

ADMISSION $10-$25 (varies by location)

Zumba Fitness, the growing exercise trend that pairs sexy dance moves with a cardiovascular workout set to Latin rhythms and a party atmosphere, is enlisting its thousands of U.S. instructors to host "Party in Pink Zumbathons" in October to raise awareness and money for Susan G. Komen for the Cure, a global leader in breast cancer research funding. Local Zumbathons already have been scheduled in Baldwin, Cedarhurst, Farmingdale, Garden City, Great Neck and New Hyde Park.

In Baldwin, licensed Zumba instructor Jill Ackiron-Moses is running her Zumbathon 5-7 p.m. Oct. 15 ($10). "I'm having it in honor of a very dear friend who fought valiantly against the disease," she says. "This is to celebrate her spirit and love of life." She asks that participants wear something pink to her Zumbathon - bandanna, ribbon, bracelet - and to "bring your smile."

Sip, Savor, Shop: Girl's Night Out

WHEN | WHERE 7-9 p.m. Oct. 21, Fox Hollow, 7725 Jericho Tpke., Woodbury

INFO 516-535-5370, maurerfoundation.org

ADMISSION $55

"We wanted to have a fun night for women that raises awareness and doesn't limit age or income," says Morgan Evans, manager of communications and brand development for the Maurer Foundation, an organization devoted to breast health education. Its "Sip, Savor, Shop: Girl's Night Out" will feature cocktails, hors d'oeuvres and a swag bag stuffed with goodies including Queen Helene beauty products and a voucher for a 30-minute microdermabrasion facial. The evening will include boutique shopping and a "secondhand" runway show (the fashions seen will be auctioned), Evans says. All proceeds from tickets and sponsorships will benefit the Foundation; vendors keep their proceeds, but pay a vendor fee and donate raffle prizes to support the event.

WHEN | WHERE Third Wednesday of the month at various Long Island venues

INFO Join the "Mom's Night Out LI" Facebook group

'Mom's Night Out'

In April, Diana Stapleton of Massapequa Park decided to organize her own monthly "Mom's Night Out" outing. "Originally, I wasn't sure how it was going to be received," says Stapleton, 38, a mother of two who works as a flight attendant. "But my friends thought it was a great idea, so I made an event on Facebook and crossed my fingers."

Almost immediately, friends accepted her invite - and word spread online and throughout the neighborhood. By the third month, more than 50 moms were in attendance.

"It's great seeing my friends and I've gotten to meet such wonderful women," she says. "It's something to look forward to every month."