HARTFORD-A forty year-old New York City woman won the Avon Walking & Running-Hartford 6.1 mile race in 35 minutes, but most of the women exercising last Saturday (July 14) morning were on a far gentler pace. The Northern Connecticut Black Nurses Association was pleased to see new women out walking and running: Hartford church-members who need to start exercising for the first time in their lives.

"Heart, Body & Soul" is a special partnership between the Preventive Cardiology Department at Hartford Hospital and the Northern Connecticut Black Nurses Association. Their mutual goal is to reduce the risk of cardiovascular (heart) disease among people living in the City of Hartford. The partnership reaches women through churches such as the Old Ship of Zion Baptist Church, Church of the Most High God, and the Faith Assembly of God, in Hartford.

Carolyn Aishton of Avon Walking and Running, presented a check for $5,500 to "Heart, Body & Soul", the beneficiary of the walk and run.

Over 1,500 women participated in this year's event, which included a 10K run (6.2 miles), 5K walk/run (3.1 miles), and a Kids' Dash. The Avon Walking & Running program is the only international series of its kind that provides women of all ages and fitness levels an opportunity to pursue elite racing, moderate running or simple fitness in unified events. Women from throughout Southern New England and from as far away as Bolivia and Texas competed this year.

Samples, Free Manicures and Health Tips
"You (Avon Walking & Running) are truly helping this grass roots, volunteer-run program," said Dr. Paul Thompson, Director of Cardiac Services, at Hartford Hospital, which had teams of nurses and other women participate in the all-women's event. "We sincerely thank you and all the women who came out today. Walking and running are superior exercise activities for healthy hearts," Dr. Thompson, a nationally renown physician, noted. "We're pleased to see new people from our black community out today having a good time exercising and getting those sample vitamins, health tips, free massages and manicures. You women are most welcome here!"

African Drummers, Shortcake and an 87 Year-Old Lady
There were clowns, balloons and races for the kids, strawberry shortcake, aerobic warm-ups with Jeffrey Shealey accompanied by two African drummers, awards presentations, and the loudest cheers for Newington's most celebrated runner: 87 year-old Mary Haines, who completed her three mile walk and run as the awards presentation was underway.

Empowering City Women
By working closely with Hartford's faith community. Heart, Body & Soul helps local residents live healthy lifestyles and improve personal behavior in the following areas: Nutrition, Fitness, Diabetes, Smoking (cessation). The program, funded by the Connecticut's Department of Public Health, challenges the status quo and empowers women living in the City of Hartford.

Last week, Hartford resident Dollie Milledge and her daughters Mary Milledge of East Hartford, and Vicee Brooks, of Hartford, were featured in a Hartford Courant photo and feature story "A Family Strides Together" by Helen Ubinas. Dollie told the Courant that the "Heart, Body & Soul" program, which Vicee Brooks and her organization, The Northern Connecticut Black Nurses Association, actively supports, motivated her to start walking everyday.

Heart Disease: #1 Killer of Women
Heart disease is the number one killer of women. It is the cause of death more often than all cancers combined. It is estimated that one-third of these deaths can be prevented by simple exercise. Avon Walking and Running - Hartford is designed to help women of every age and fitness level take control of their health and fitness by promoting walking and running - time-efficient, cost-effective and accessible exercise options. Women who walk or run build confidence and self-esteem, while improving their physical health and lowering their risk of cardiovascular disease.

'Inspirational & Lots of Support'
"It feels like everyone is in this together. The spirit is really great here," Keron Smith of Hartford remarked. "It's inspirational, and there's lot's of support."

For additional information about Avon Walking & Running, please call: race office: 860-652-8866. For information about the "Heart, Body & Soul" program, please call Hartford Hospital: 860-545-5000.

Avon is the world's leading direct seller of beauty and related products, with $5.7 billion in annual revenues. For more than a century Avon has provided women with economic opportunity and financial independence, and the company currently markets to women in 139 countries through 3.4 million independent sales representatives. Avon is committed to women through programs such as the Avon Breast Cancer Crusade, the Avon Worldwide Fund for Women's Health, and the Avon Breast Cancer 3-Days. Product lines include such recognizable brands as Anew, Skin-So-Soft, Avon Color, Far Away, Rare Gold, Perceive and Avon Skin Care. The company also markets an extensive line of fashion jewelry, apparel, gifts and collectibles.

More information on Avon and its products and programs can be found on the company's website www.avon.com.

Avon Running & Walking 10K & 5K Results