Posted: March 31, 2005

Athletics: Hyde Park Blast Adds $10,000 Bonus for Beating U.S. 4 Mile Record

CINCINNATI, Ohio - (March 30, 2005) - Cincinnati's 4th Annual Hyde Park Blast - set for Monday, July 4 - is adding a $10,000 cash bonus for the first male or female U.S. runner who bests the "unofficial" national record for 4 miles at the event.

Current records are held by:
Gerard Donakowski (MI), 17:39, 06/14/1986
Colleen De Reuck (CO), 19:59, 06/08/2002

Both records were set at the Steamboat Classic in Peoria, Ill. USA Track & Field, the national governing body, does not officially recognize the 4 mile as a record category.

The four mile run/walk benefits The Wellness Community, The Lance Armstrong Foundation and the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society's Team in Training Program.

"This event has become a well received regional event with some very fast fields. We hope this time bonus will help add to the quick field and make for some extra excitement on race weekend," said Chad Sims, race director.

Registration forms are available online at: www.HydeParkBlast.org or you may call (513) 533-4708. Early registration is $25 and late/same-day registration is $28 for adults.

The Hyde Park Blast is Ohio's Four-Mile Championship and part of Run Ohio's Grand Prix Series. This year there will be $1700 in prize money and a $10,000 bonus for the first male/female (U.S. resident) participant breaking the U.S. record for the 4 mile distance. The fitness based weekend also includes a criterium cycling race and block party on July 3. Presented by Toyota and Founding partners Richards Industries and Landor Associates.

Elite athletes and managers should contact Chad Sims at csims1@fuse.net in regards to prize money, time bonus, entry or lodging questions.

Ryan Lamppa, Running USA Media Services Director
385 Oak View Lane
Santa Barbara, CA 93111

(805) 696-6232, fax (805) 967-5958
Ryan@RunningUSA.org
www.runningusa.org.