Sunday July 25, 1999
| Race Report Sunday July 25, 1999 | |
PORTLAND, Ore., July 25, 1999 - Under cool but sunny skies, runner Deanna O'Neil started strong and maintained a solid front position to finish with more than a one minute lead over the second place challenger in the Avon Running - Portland 10K Run on July 25, 1999. A member of the "Nike Portland" corporate team, the 34 year-old O'Neil, from Canby, Oregon, is a former member of the University of Oregon track team and a 20-year running veteran. "Having placed third in last year's race, I came back determined to better my time and win this year," said O'Neil, who finished with the winning time of 35:23. The challenging, hilly course - designed by the Portland chapter of the Oregon Road Runners Club - led participants along the waterfront of the Willamette River, up and over two bridges, with a finish near the lively Salmon Springs fountain.
Runner Kerry Rohan, 31, of Portland, Ore., followed in second place with a time of 36:04. Rohan began running as part of her training for riding horses, and is a recent qualifier for the upcoming U.S. Olympic Team running trials. The third-woman to cross the Salmon Springs finish line was Rainey-Kay Stolp, of Bremerton, Wa. in 37:36, who also claimed the top prize in the Master category (age 40 and over.) First Avon Products Representative winner was Ashley Panian, of Sherwood, Ore., with a time of 54:27. Senior runner Billie Smith, 75, of Kelso, Wa., bested dozens of younger runners with a time of 1:02. The 10K winners in the Overall, Masters (40 & over) and Avon Representative categories have won an expense-paid trip to the Avon Running National 10K Championship in Cincinnati, Ohio, October 1999.
Highlights of the 5K Walk/Fun Run included words of encouragement by local TV Anchor, Carol Jensen, of News Channel 8, who fired up participants and then led the ranks of mothers with young children as she ran off with her toddler in tow. Popular radio DJ's Gina and Rebecca of Portland's "The Beat - 107.5," joined members of their famed "Chunky Butt Club" (which brings Portland-area women together for fitness comraderie and support) in the 5K Walk.
"Avon's goal is accessibility, " said Carolyn Aishton, Avon Senior Director of Sports and Event market, who was in Portland for today's event. "While we support women's running and attract some of the world's great runners, the ultimate goal of Avon Running is to promote exercise for women of all ages and fitness levels," she said.
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 inlcude such recognizable brands as Anew, Skin-So-Soft, Avon Color, Far Away, Rare Gold, Natori, Millennia, Josie, Starring, Avon Skin Care, and Women of Earth. Avon is also the world's largest manufacturer of fashion jewelry and markets an extensive line of apparel, gifts and collectibles.
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/portland.
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