MLB, The Color Run team up again for 5K run

The Nasty Boys were a colorful combination and one of the best short-relief success stories in Major League Baseball history, leading the Reds to the World Series title 25 years ago. On July 11, Norm Charlton, Rob Dibble and Randy Myers will be together again in downtown Cincinnati, to help cheer on participants in The Color Run MLB All-Star 5K presented by Nike.

In addition, Mr. Redlegs, Rosie Red, Gapper and Mr. Red -- along with eight other MLB mascots as well as Runicorn, The Color Run mascot -- will be part of the festivities at the start the race and will be available for photographs. Mascots scheduled to appear alongside the Reds mascots include: Baxter (D-backs), Homer (Braves), Paws (Tigers), Orbit (Astros), Bernie (Brewers), Stomper (Athletics), Mariner Moose and Rangers Captain.

MLB will make a contribution to two charities supporting youth development -- Boys & Girls Clubs of America and the Reds Community Fund -- and The Color Run will make a contribution to their charitable partner, Tri-State Bleeding Disorder.

"You can go out and run a 5K, or you can go out and get splashed in colors and run 5K," actor/comedian Rob Riggle said at last year's race. "I think that's the better way to go."

Signups are underway at AllStarGame.com/Run to make your way through an All-Star-themed course that will feature appearances by MLB legends, mascots and other special guests. The event is an untimed race in which participants are doused in different colored powder at each kilometer.

Following the event, the Finish Festival, which will feature music, giveaways and contests, will take place in Sawyer Point Park. The paint race, which is open to participants of all ages, is an entertainment experience for the whole family.

The starting line will open at 9 a.m. ET on that Saturday, with additional waves beginning every few minutes for an expected field of thousands of runners. All registered participants will receive a limited-edition Shine Tour Participation Kit, including a custom race T-shirt, a gold finisher's medal, tattoos, a headband and powder packets.

Fans who sign up by this Saturday will receive a special VIP price of $29.50, if signing up as part of a team of four or more. Space is limited, so participants of all ages are encouraged to sign up early. Previous All-Star races have been held in St. Louis (2009), Anaheim ('10), Kansas City ('12), New York ('13) and Minneapolis ('14). Great American Ball Park will host the 86th All-Star Game on July 14 on FOX.

"The inaugural The Color Run MLB All-Star 5K presented by Nike was a great addition to the All-Star schedule of events, attracting thousands of fans," said MLB chief marketing officer Jacqueline Parkes. "We are excited to again join with The Color Run to bring the great baseball fans in Reds Country a unique and colorful way to take part in the festivities surrounding the 2015 All-Star Game."

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"The Color Run MLB All-Star 5K is a tremendous opportunity for thousands of baseball fans from across Reds Country to be active participants in the 2015 All-Star summer," said Reds chief operating officer Phil Castellini.

Travis Snyder, CEO of The Color Run, addressed runners at the start of last year's event and said, "We had an amazing time last year and are thrilled to be partnering with Major League Baseball and Nike for the second year in a row.

"This will be our fourth time coming to Cincinnati and through this partnership we will debut the Shine Tour with an all-new course, new venue and fresh elements to excite our fellow Cincinnati baseball fans."

The Color Run, also known as the "Happiest 5K on the Planet," is a paint race that celebrates healthiness, happiness and individuality. It hosted more than 270 events in more than 30 countries in 2014.

Registration is also underway for ticket strips to All-Star Week in Cincinnati. Visit AllStarGame.com for more information.