Sunday July 26, 1998
| Race Report Sunday July 26, 1998 |
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Start of Avon -- Portland 10k |
June 26, 1998 - It may rain 302 days of the year in Portland, but it was sunshine and clear skies when Avon Running-Portland came to town. Nicknamed "Bridge City", 955 women and girls had incredible views of the Willamette River and Mt. Hood as they ran over two of the cities famous bridges. With this incredible backdrop of sun and water, people cheered as 10K Overall finisher Katrina Price-Crosby from Seattle, Washington and 10K Avon finisher Shawna Panian from Sherwood, Oregon ran to win a free trip to Chicago for the Avon Running National Championship, November 8, 1998.
There was plenty of media to promote the race, as well as to participate in the event promoting women's health and fitness. Crystal Thorton of Koin News Channel 6 walked the 5K with Katherine Switzer, while the radio sponsor, Rosie 105, produced a whole team of walkers in the 5K fitness walk with radio personality, Mary Rivers leading the way. Aerial coverage of the event only enhanced the feeling of excitement. 3 of the 4 television stations gave a bird's eye view of the women of the Northwest strutting their stuff. All in all, there was ample opportunity to learn about Avon Running.
Runners were prepped mentally for the event at the Health Fair the day before featuring such national and local celebrities as Joe Henderson, Runners World Columnist; Captain C.W. Jensen, Portland Police Training Division; and Avon Running's own Katherine Switzer. Turnout was so overwhelming, they registered almost 200 additional participants at the event. Women were sustained physically on race day by "not your typical race fare" donated by QFC.
While billed as "Avon Running -- Portland", this event really represented the entire Northwest. It brought in groups from all over the state of Oregon and Washington. An hour to the south in Salem, Oregon, the Willamette Valley Striders Road Runner's Club took a special interest in the program and hosted their own Avon Running Clinic in conjunction with Gallagher Fitness and Avon. They had the privilege of having Grete Waitz come coach them in May as well as the support of Avon Running in general. This kind of cooperation and support between clubs and women to promote health and fitness for women seems to epitomize the goals of Avon Running.
The last race of the summer, Avon Running -- Portland and the Oregon Road Runners Club can be happy with a job well done and pass the torch to Avon Running -- Kansas City}{ to be held October 4th. While the race may be over, Avon Running has not reached the finish line. The city of Portland looks forward to a bigger and better event next year. See you then!