Sunday October 18, 1998
| Race Report Sunday October 18, 1998 |
Cincinnati - Avon Running 10k winner Stephanie Dueringer redefined winning here when she crossed the finishline in 36:16. "For the first time ever, I wasn't surrounded by men," she explains. "It was the neatest feeling in the world to REALLY cross the finish first and break that tape."
The 23 year old All American led the field of 1216 the entire race. Although she admittedly slowed on the hills, an unfamiliar site at the University of Indianapolis, she still was happy with her finish and even more thrilled with the whole experience.
"There's nothing like being in an all women's race, it's a cool idea," she smiled. Her next goal is to win the Avon Running National Championships in Chicago on November 8th and then. . ."I hope it's the 10,000 in 2000 (Olympics)."
The second and third finishers were local favorites 28 year old Patricia Ratliff in 38:36 and 30 year old Linda Jeanmougin in 39:25. Both were happy with their respective finishes. "The real rush for me was seeing all those men out there cheering for me," said Linda. "That never happens to me!"
The top masters was 51 year old Janice Kreuz in 43:47. She is on her way to the National Championships and shocked about it. "I had no idea I could do this AND I could win a trip to such a prestigious event!" she said while shaking. "I was so wrapped up in the whole event that I forgot I was even racing."
Of course, another good story, the oldest participant was 70 year old grandma Betty Moscove. She won her age group and couldn't have been prouder!
There were lots of stories like Betty's. The first Avon Representative to cross the line, Donel Waters was still shocked at the awards ceremony when she received her ticket to Chicago. "I have been working for Avon for two years and THIS is the neatest thing that has happened to me." The 34 year old Mom of three always dreamed of doing something special but never thought it could happen with her running.
Avon Running made it happen for lots of women on Sunday. The huge turn out was a record setting attendance for an inaugural women's event in Cincinnati. Everyone was greeted by the Mayor Roxanne Qualls who declared October 18th Avon Running Day in Cincinnati. This was followed by a high school trumpeter who belted out the National Anthem, and then the women took off on a course that followed the scenic Ohio River and finished in Fountain Square.
Everyone finished with a smile, a medal, and an icing cookie with the Avon Running lady carefully sketched across it----a gift to everyone from the local baker Mr. Busken.
More women than ever 'covered new ground' in Cincinnati. It was beautiful. It was inspiring. It was fun. It was Avon Running.