Thousands of people competed in the annual Marcum Workplace Challenge...

Thousands of people competed in the annual Marcum Workplace Challenge last year, which has raised $150,000 for charities. (July 26, 2011) Credit: Danielle Finkelstein

The people at the Melville office of international accounting firm Marcum Llc are busy these days, not just looking at the books but also planning one of Long Island's largest participatory sporting events: a 3.5-mile race starting at Zach's Bay at Jones Beach State Park.

The race, (actually you can walk it if you want to) isn't until July 31 at 7 p.m. But Marcum partner Carolyn Mazzenga, who is in charge of all the details, is facing a time as busy as tax season.

"It's like planning a wedding," said Mazzenga. "For the next five weeks we do the real big push to get all the runners signed up."

More than 200 Long Island companies will be taking part, about 20 more than last year. Thousands will make the run/walk.

The event, now in its seventh year, has become Long Island's annual business picnic. Many companies have suspended their own picnics in favor of what is called the Marcum Workplace Challenge.

The event has raised about $150,000 for three charities: the Long Island Children's Museum, Long Island Cares' Harry Chapin Food Bank, and the Children's Medical Fund of New York.

From celebrating America's 250th birthday to a new ride at Adventureland, NewsdayTV's Elisa DiStefano and Newsday lifestyle editor Meghan Giannotta have your inside look at Newsday's summer FunBook. Credit: Newsday/Howard Schnapp, Kendall Rodriguez, Drew Singh; Anthony Florio, Randee Daddona, Morgan Campbell, Debbie Egan-Chin

Get ready for sun and fun with NewsdayTV's summer FunBook special! From celebrating America's 250th birthday to a new ride at Adventureland, NewsdayTV's Elisa DiStefano and Newsday lifestyle editor Meghan Giannotta have your inside look at Newsday's summer FunBook.

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