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Hyde Park Blast Run/Walk Race

posted by Chris Barber

So do you like to run fun races that benefit a good cause and are combined with other awesome festivities?  No?  Then you’re a lame-o.  But I know you’re not a lame-o because you are here at SeriousRunning.com, so I feel it is my duty to keep you awesome and tell you about the Hyde Park Blast 4 mile Run/Walk race on June 27th at 8:00 AM at Hyde Park in Cincinnati, Ohio.  That’s right, the same city that the famous sitcom ‘WKRP-Cincinnati’ took place!  You know this is a destination race for sure!

hyde-park-blast-running-race-start-line

More than just being able to experience the same city that inspired WKRP in Cincinnati, the Hyde Park Blast is a great reason to come and see what Cincinnati is all about.   Make this race and event an exciting time to get away, participate in a run, and get your festive on.  It’s also very family friendly so bring the whole clan along to cheer you on as you speed through the 4 mile race course in Hyde Park in this 2 loop figure 8 route, perfect for them to watch you race by multiple times.  The Hyde Park Blast Run/Walk 4 mile race starts and finished at Hyde Park Square at Erie and Edwards.  There will be water points at the 1.5 and 3 mile marks.  You can bring your baby stroller and dogs along to run because there will be a separate elite field from general racers.  This way you can see watch super serious runners.  If it makes you feel negative about your running prowess watching these elite runners, then maybe you should wait 45 minutes for the kids runs to lift your spirits.  Blast for kids age groups and distances are: 2-3 run 25 yards, 4-6 run 50 yards, 7-9 1/2 mile, and 10-13 year olds run a full mile.  These little racers will get a T-shirt, goodie bag, and medal just like you.  They grow up so fast; you might as well let them start running fast too.

The Hyde Park Blast started in 2001 raising money for cancer-related and community benefactors.  In that time, the Hyde Park Blast has given over $100,000 dollars to charities.  That’s a lot of good done.  Not only are the proceeds going toward a great cause but the event is helping the enviroment’s cause too.  Hyde Park Blast’s motto is:  Go Hard, Go Green.  In order to do this there will be an event-wide recycling program, recycled/reusable participant bags, organic fruit, no printed entry forms so register online, recycled paper for extra print, and have eliminated past bus transportation.  Looks like the the Hyde Park Blast is going hard and staying green.

I know, going green, helping cancer research, taking part in helping community businesses are all nice things, but what’s really in it for you?  How about a legit party and festival after the race?!  The party kicks off directly after the run with the Taste of Hyde Park and Sidewalk Sale featuring local restaurants and vendors.  If you’re not into walking around after running a race (you really should so your muscles don’t tighten) then plop yourself down at the best breakfast and post-race party Kegs/Eggs Breakfast.  Protein and carbohydrates, perfect for post race nourishment.  Not into Kegs or Eggs Mrs. finicky?  Well then how about organic fruit along with Bloody Marys and Mimosas too?  Sounds refreshing.  And the party doesn’t have to stop there.  Stay into the night, watch the Cycling Criterium, and hang at the evening block party featuring musical artists ‘The Rusty Griswolds.’  Sorry, no, their lead singer isn’t Chevy Chase.  But this band is sure to make the Hyde Park Blast as fun as a ‘Christmas Vacation’ or ‘European Vacation’ in the middle of the summer in Cincinnati!  You’re on your own to create the silly antics and hilarious physical comedy.

So if you’re looking for a great way to celebrate the 4th of July the weekend before, then register to run the Hyde Park Blast Run/Walk, take part in all of the summer fun festivities and get warmed up for the 4th of July!