FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
For Further Information Contact:
Press Contact: Anna Reade
Avon Running-Albuquerque
(505) 889-9798

Albuquerque, NM - August 13, 2000 - Elva Dryer of Albuquerque captured the Avon Running-Albuquerque title today with a winning time of 34:02. Over 500 women of every age and fitness level participated in this year's Avon Running event, which included a 10K run (6.2 miles) and 5K walk/run (3.1 miles). The Avon Running Women's Global Circuit is the only international series of its kind that provides women the opportunity to pursue elite racing, moderate running or simple fitness in unified events.

As the Avon Running-Albuquerque champion, Elva Dryer took home the $500 first place prize and won an expense-paid trip to Phoenix, Arizona to compete in the Avon Running National Championship. Shelly Steely of Albuquerque, finished second overall winning $250, with a time of 36:21. Dr. Marie Boyd took the third place $150 prize. In addition, Boyd's impressive time of 37:04, placed her first in the Master's Division, winning an expense-paid trip to Phoenix, Arizona. Catriona Dowling won $100 by securing the second place spot in the Master's Division with a time of 39:51. Donna Archuleta, with a time of 51:20, was the winner of the Avon Sales Representative division and will be accompanying Dryer and Boyd to the Avon Running National Championship in December.

"Avon is making amazing strides in women's running", said Dryer. "I enjoyed running with an all women's field because it generates positive energy and I look forward to it's return next year. I am also excited to be representing the women of Albuquerque at the Avon Running National Championshiop in Phoenix".

LaVonne Skinner, Division Sales Manager for Avon Products, Sharon Barbano and Christy Keith, Regional Marketing Representative of RYKA, presented a check for $6,000 to Dorothee Otero, Executive Director of the Barrett Foundation, Inc., the beneficiary of this year's Albuquerque event. The donation came from a portion of each entry fee. The funds will be used to provide housing and supportive services for women and women with children who are striving to break the cycle of homelessness. A team of women and staff from the Barrett Foundation participated in today's 5K walk/run.

During 2000, Avon Running events will take place in five additional cities:

· Baltimore, MD				September 10
· Kansas City, MO			October 1
· Cincinnati, OH			October 15
· Tampa, FL				November 18 (new)
· Phoenix, AZ*				December 10 (new)

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

The Avon Running Global Women's Circuit 2000 is building upon the program's two-year success of spreading the word about health and fitness, particularly cardiovascular disease, to thousands of women worldwide. Through Avon Running, women learn about the benefits of a regular running and walking regimen, one of the most accessible and affordable forms of exercise for even the busiest women. The program includes both a 10K run and 5K fitness walk/run to offer participation opportunities for the nearly 40 percent 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.

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

Avon is the world's leading direct seller of beauty and related products, with $5.3 billion in annual revenues. Avon markets to women in 137 countries through 3 million independent Sales Representatives. Avon product lines include such recognizable brands as Anew, Skin-So-Soft, Avon Color, Far Away, Rare Gold, Perceive and Women of Earth. Avon also markets an extensive line of fashion jewelry, apparel, gifts and collectibles. More information on Avon and its products can be found on the company's award-winning website: www.avon.com..