Avon announces winners of Avon Running - Portland

Tatiana Salazar and Deanna O'Neil finish first and second

PORTLAND, Ore.- July 23, 2000 - Tatiana Salazar of Tacoma, Washington captured the Avon Running-Portland title today with a winning time of 36:15. Nearly 1,000 women of every age and fitness level participated in this year's Avon Running event, which included a 10K run (6.2 miles), 5K walk/run (3.1 miles). The Avon Running Women's Global Circuit is the only international series of its kind that provides women with the opportunity to pursue elite racing, moderate running or simple fitness in unified events.

The Avon Running - Portland champion, Salazar, originally from Russia, took home the $500 first prize and won an expense-paid trip to Phoenix, Arizona. There she will compete in the Avon Running National Championship. Salazar was the winner of the Moscow International Peace Marathon (Russia) and the Wonderful Copenhagen Marathon (Denmark) in 1993. She also won the Shamrock 15K in Portland.

Deanna O'Neil from Canby, Oregon finished second overall, winning $250. She is the defending champion, who won first place in the Avon Running-Portland event last year. "The Avon Running organization is important in the development of women's causes and empowerment," said O'Neil after crossing the finish line.

Julie Guzman, from Oregon Health Sciences University (the beneficiary of Avon Running in Portland), won $100 as the top Master finisher. She will also compete in Phoenix, Arizona in the Avon Running National Championship. Portland resident, Karen Scholte-acre, took third place, winning $150, while Shawna Panian was the winner of the Avon Representative division.

Beth Brimhall and Vicey Ogden, both District Sales Managers for Avon Products, presented a check to Oregon Health Sciences University (OHSU), the charitable beneficiary of this year's Portland event. The donation came from a portion of each entry fee and will aid in women's cardiology research conducted at the University.

"No other hospital in Oregon has OHSU's unique qualities: an academic medical center, a top-notch cardiac research program and comprehensive clinical program, said Chris Brentlinger, director of development for Oregon Health Sciences Foundation. "Partnering with Avon Running helps OHSU bring awareness to the significance of heart disease in women. We are excited to participate in such an outstanding event for women in Portland," he stated.

A team consisting of OHSU staff members competed in the 10K run. The team took first place in the open team division, while one of the OHSU team members, Julie Guzman, won in the Master division.

During 2000, Avon Running events will take place in seven additional cities, including four new to the circuit:

Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN	August 12 (new)
Albuquerque, NM	August 13 (new)
Baltimore, MD	September 10
Kansas City, MO	October 1
Cincinnati, OH	October 15
Tampa, FL	November 18 (new)
Phoenix, AZ*	December 10 (new)

* The Phoenix event is also the Avon Running National Championship, in which winners from all preceding U.S. events will vie for the national title alongside women of every age and ability.

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 5Kfitness 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 136 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.