Race Report Saturday May 9, 1998

The 10K Start

Nichole Nagel won (35:23), but so did every woman who laced up her shoes for the Avon Running-Denver 10K run and 5K fitness walk on May 9th at Cherry Creek State Park. Day broke chilly and overcast, but that didn't stop 1,015 determined event participants or more than 150 volunteers -- Avon representatives, area school students, and Colorado Columbines Women's Running Club members.

Yuko Arimori

Great names in women's running, past and present, were on the start line to inspire women to walk or run for health and fitness. Olympic silver medalist Yuko Arimori was there, along with three-time Avon International Marathon winner and Olympic bronze medalist Lorraine Moller, and last year's Bolder Boulder winner Libbie Hickman.

"It's great to have a huge company such as Avon behind women's running." Hickman said, "Statistics show that women involved in sports have more self-esteem. And for the young ones, it sets fantastic habits for a healthier, happier lifetime."

Lorraine Moller

Moller and Hickman wore Avon Running tank tops bearing the message, "Come Run With Me." Marathoner Arimori used the 10K as a training run, finishing in ninth place (39:30).

Nagel leads all the way

Nagel broke away at the downhill start and commanded the lead throughout the rolling on- and off-road course, crossing the track finish line more than a minute before Diane Gentry, second place (36:55).

"It was such a smooth race and a fun course," said Nagel, "And I'd like to thank Avon for bringing this event to Denver. It's so encouraging to women and girls who are getting started."

As the sun came out to warm the crowd of finishers and their supporters, equally warm, jazzy sounds of an a cappella singing group filled the air.

Jane Welzel places third

"I love all-women races," said third place winner Jane Welzel (37:09), who took first place honors in the master's division as well. Welzel competed in the previous Avon series during the 1970s.

For Diane Fischer, the first Avon representative (49:55) across the line, this was her first 10K race. The first mother/daughter team to finish on this day-before-Mother's-Day event was Jan Hughes, 47 (54:35) and Kelly Hughes, 13 (1:37:10).

Ten kilometer runners ranged in age from 13 to 71, and walkers on the 5K course were ages two to 86.