Race Report Sunday September 26, 1999

SUZANNE CASTRUITA OF OMAHA, NEB., WINS
CHICAGO-AREA AVON RUNNING 5K & 10K
With Perfect Weather for Running, More than 3,000 Women and Girls
Enjoyed a Day of Fitness and Camaraderie in Morton Grove, Ill.

(Morton Grove, Ill.)—"What a perfect day for running—better than wind and snow!" said nine-time New York Marathon winner and Avon spokesperson Grete Waitz, referring to the unusually cold weather for the 1998 Chicago-area event. With Sunday’s ideal running weather for the second annual Avon Running 5K & 10K in Morton Grove, Ill.—70 degrees and clear skies—Suzanne Castruita of Omaha, Neb., won the 10K with a time of 36:12 and advanced to the Avon Running Championship in Cincinnati.

"I want to thank everyone involved with the Avon organization for supporting my involvement in this series for the past few years," said Castruita, who also earned a trip to the 1998 Avon Running Championship in New York City.

Lorilynn Hoffman of Bloomington, Ind., placed second with a time of 36:30, followed closely by Amy Kuipers of Tinley Park, Ill., with a time of 36:31. With her sixth-place finish, Frances McKissick of Irving, Texas, accomplished what she came to Chicago for—to earn the final point she needed to get to the Avon Running Championship in Cincinnati. "I needed to finish in the top 14, and I finished sixth, so I’m thrilled," said McKissick.

With a strong showing of Avon representatives, the competition was also tough in this category. With a time of 51:47, the winning Avon rep was Rose Garman of Riverton, Ill., who also earned a trip to the Avon Running Championship in Cincinnati. The second place Avon rep was Mary Ann Tobar of Woodridge, Ill., with a time of 52:44, followed by Krista Winchel of Blue Mounds, Ill., with a time of 57:59.

In the age group categories, there was a surprise winner: Katherine Switzer, program director for Avon Running, placed third in the 50-54 age group with a time of 53:10. Jumping up and down, a delighted Switzer said, "I’m so excited! I’ve never one an Avon trophy before." The prize will join her collection, which includes first-place trophies for the 1967 Boston Marathon and the 1974 New York City Marathon.

Several running moms got their daughters on the starting line of fitness by involving them in the day. "After finishing her first 5K, receiving a nice T-shirt and enjoying some good food, she also won a basket of Avon products in the raffle," said Phyllis Axom of Skokie, Ill., referring to 13-year-old daughter, Nicole. "This was her first running event, and I think she’ll want to do many more." Ilene Ross of Highland Park, Ill., ran the 5K with her 10-year-old daughter, Alexandra. "My first running race was an Avon 20K back in the 1970s," said Ross, "so getting my daughter involved with running through Avon is like coming full circle."

The Chicago-area event was part of Avon Running’s national series that also visits Atlanta, Baltimore, Dallas, Denver, Hartford, Kansas City, Portland and Sacramento. Avon Running is an example of Avon’s commitment to helping women realize their individual potential. Partial proceeds from the event benefited Chicago-area running clubs.

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 $2.7 million independent sales representatives. Avon product lines include such recognizable brands as Anew, Skin-So-Soft, Avon Color, Far Away, Rare Gold, Natori, Millennia, Jose, Starring, Avon Skin Care and Women of Earth. Avon is also one of the world’s largest manufacturers of fashion jewelry and markets an extensive line of apparel, gifts and collectibles.

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More information on Avon and its products can be found on the company's Web site at www.avon.com. Additional information on Avon Running is available at www.avonrunning.com/ Chicago.

Avon Running Global Circuit is now in its second year in the USA, Thailand, Chile, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Brazil, Mexico, Venezuela, Canada, Malaysia, and the Philippines.

Photos and complete results will be posted within 24 hours on the Avon Running web site. For additional information, please call (860) 652-8866 or visit the web site: www.avonrunning.com. Back to results