Posted: June 24, 2006

Athletics: Strong Fields Expected for 5th Hyde Park Blast

Olay debuts the Love the Skin You're in Mile to Strengthen the Women's Side

CINCINNATI - On Saturday, July 1, more than 4,000 participants will come together in the fight against cancer as they take part in the 5th annual Hyde Park Blast, which includes the Ohio 4 Mile Championship, a criterium bike race and large evening post-race party.

The four-mile run and walk will begin at 8:00am at Ault Park and end at Hyde Park Square. The challenging point-to-point course has been recognized as one of the area's coolest and scenic residential courses.

The 2006 Blast will feature increased prize money: $1200 (race champion), $600 (second) and $300 (third).

In addition, Olay has partnered with the Blast this year to add an extra incentive for the women's field. The Olay Love the Skin You're in Mile will award the first four women to hit the three-mile mark an added cash bonus of $1200, $700, $400, and $200 respectively. The top Ohio female runner will also receive an extra $300 and she can add this to her bonus if she is also in the top four to cross the Olay mile mark. In addition, Olay will present gift baskets valued at over $100 to all four women (plus the Ohio runner) as well as the top three walkers.

"Olay is proud to be a part of such an incredible event, here in Cincinnati," says Christopher Heiert, Brand Manager at Olay. "Some of the most elite female runners in the country will be in attendance and Olay looks forward to showing them how our product, Olay Complete Defense SPF-30, can be a great asset in their daily workout routine. With runners spending most of their time in the sun, Olay SPF, promises to provide them with the most elite, in sunblock care, while nourishing their pores with essential vitamins and nutrients."

Past men's race champions TJ Lentz (past P.J. Chang's Rock 'n' Roll Arizona ˝ Marathon winner) and Chris Reis (2006 Heart Mini Marathon winner and 2006 Flying Pig Marathon runner-up) will be joined by other top Ohio runners including Tilahun Abebe, Jim Jurcevich, Brian List, Omar Nash, Josh Ordway, Shawn Pawsat, Eric Putnam and John Sence. The women's field will also be deep with Norah Shire (2006 Flying Pig Marathon champion), Alison Bedingfield (2005 Flying Pig Marathon champion), Lyndsi Benedict (2006 Ohio 10K champion) and other top women toeing the line.

"This year's event should be exciting with our best field to-date. We have been fortunate to have fast fields in the past and the addition of the Olay Mile at a very strategic place on the course should definitely add to the quick times. In addition to all of our local and state favorites, we know we'll also have some great runners from out-of-state including a few top 20 Boston finishers," says Chad Sims, event co-founder.

Proceeds from the event will go to the three benefiting charities: The Lance Armstrong Foundation, the Wellness Community and the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

For more race information, visit HPBlast.com or call (513) 533-7323.

Ryan Lamppa, Running USA Media Director
(805) 696-6232; Fax = (805) 659-0016
Ryan@RunningUSA.org
www.RunningUSA.org.

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