Cincinnati, OH -- October 31, 1999 - Kelly Keeler, of Bloomington, MN, captured the Avon Running National Championship title today, with a winning time of 34:53. Keller, age 37, started her running career in Cincinnati and returned home to capture this title. More than 1,000 women of every age and fitness level participated in the 10K (6.2 miles) race and the accompanying 5K (3.1 miles) walk/fun run. Avon Running is the only global circuit of its kind that provides women the opportunity to pursue elite racing, moderate running or simple fitness in unified events.

As the Avon Running National Champion, Keeler won an expense paid trip to represent the U.S. at the second annual Avon Running Global Women’s Championship, which will be held in Milan, Italy on May 21, 2000. The Global Championship will feature a total prize purse of $50,000, which is the richest 10K event in the history of women’s running. Winners from the 12 countries on the global circuit, as well as many of the world’s elite women athletes, are expected to vie for the global title.

“This was an incredible race for me. Winning this title at home meant so much because there were so many local fans cheering me on. This is one of the most rewarding experiences of my life,” said Kelly Keeler. “I am so excited to be representing the U.S. at the Avon Running Global Championship in Milan. It’s truly a honor.”

Keeler has been running competitively for only six years. She is a Trials qualifier for the 2000 Olympic Marathon and runs 80-100 miles per week to keep herself in top shape.

The following four athletes also won an expense paid trip to Milan, Italy and will compete with Keeler at the Global Championship:

• Michelle LaFleur, of Memphis, NY finished in second place with a time of 34:57.
• Alisa Harvey, of Manassas, VA, finished in third place with a time of 35:01.
• Jane Welzel, of Fort Collins, CO, captured the Avon Running National Masters Division Champion (over age 40) title, finishing 10th overall with a time of 36:32.
• Judy Walls, of Piedmont, SC, won the Avon Running U.S. National Sales Representative Division Champion title, finishing 17th overall with a time of 38:40.

“Through Avon Running, thousands of women around the world are getting to the starting line of fitness and realizing their individual potential,” said Susan J. Kropf, president, Avon North America. "We are proud to continue our strong tradition of empowering women to take charge of their health and fitness into the new millennium.”

In celebration of Halloween, the Cincinnati event also featured a special race to inspire young children - the first-ever “Goblin Dash”, a 1-mile run for children ages 7-10. The event allowed boys and girls to participate in a fitness program in a fun atmosphere. Children ran in Halloween costumes and a grand prize was awarded for best costume. Festivities also included clowns, face painting and music.

Avon Running Global Women’s Circuit Promotes Benefits of Regular Exercise

The 1999 Avon Running Global Women’s Circuit is building upon its first-year success and spreading the word about health and fitness to thousands of women worldwide. Avon Running events are held in 11 U.S. cities and 12 countries around the world, with a total of nearly 30 events each year.

Through Avon Running, women learn about the benefits of a regular running and walking regime. The program includes both a 10K (6.2 miles) run and 5K (3.1 miles) walk/fun-run to provide participation opportunities for the nearly 40% of the women in the Avon Running program who are beginners. Studies show that regular running and walking can substantially reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, the number one cause of death among women, as well as significantly reduce the risk of diabetes, cancer and other diseases.

In addition, unique Avon Running grassroots training workshops are conducted in each race city. These clinics support beginner walkers and runners as they get on the road to fitness. Last year, nearly 10,000 women registered for the workshops, which consisted of lectures and panel discussions on topics such as fitness, nutrition and safe running, plus training workouts for enthusiastic groups ranging from 20 to 600 women.

Additional information and race applications for Avon Running events are available by calling (212) 282-5350 or on the Avon Running website at www.avonrunning.com

Avon is the world’s leading direct seller of beauty and related products, with $5.2 billion in annual revenues. Avon markets to women in 135 countries through three million independent Sales Representatives. Avon product lines include such recognizable brands as Anew, Skin-So-Soft, Avon Color, Far Away, Rare Gold, Natori, Milennia, Josie, Starring, Avon Skin Care, and Women of the Earth. Avon is also one of the world’s largest manufacturers of fashion jewelry, and markets an extensive line of apparel, gifts and collectibles. More information on Avon and its products can be found on the company’s website at www.avon.com.

1999 Avon Running National Championship
Cincinnati, OH
October 31, 1999
Race Results

Place	Name	Hometown	Current Residence	Time
1	Kelly Keeler	Cincinnati, OH	Bloomington, MN	34:53
2	Michelle LaFleur	Memphis, NY	Memphis, NY	34:57
3	Alisa Harvey	Manassas, VA	Manassas, VA	35:01
4	Deanna O’Neil	Canby, OR	Canby, OR	35:11
5	Suzanne Castruita	West Covina, CA	Omaha, NE	35:14
6	Cheryl Collins-Gatons	Greensburg, PA	Greensburg, PA	35:24
7	Cori Mooney	Boise, ID	Omaha, NE	35:47
8	LoriLynn Hoffman	N/A	Bloomington, IN	36:14
9	Jennifer Latham	N/A	Croton on Hudson, NY	36:21
10	Jane Welzel	Hopkinton, MA	Ft. Collins, CO	36:32
11	Kelly French	N/A	Indianapolis, IN	36:53
12	Michelle Kitze	N/A	Kettering, OH	36:58
13	Jill Nickerson-Tranter	N/A	Florence, KY	37:02
14	Catriona Dowling	Dublin, Ireland	Boulder, CO	37:38
15	Maggie Visser	N/A	Atlanta, GA	38:10
16	Deanna Walsh	N/A	Cincinnati, OH	38:23
17	Judy Walls	Piedmont, SC	Piedmont, SC	38:40
18	Beverly Thomas	Ozark, MO	Kansas City, MO	38:47
19	Nancy Stewart	Atlanta, GA	Atlanta, GA	38:56
20	Patricia Ratliff	N/A	Cincinnati, OH	38:58

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