Cool Running :: Avon Running Hartfrpd 2001 Race Results

Contact: Bruce H. Alexander
Tel: 860 228-4871
Cel: 860 634 2033
Bruce@clientfirstadpr.com

BAKOULIS WINS AVON WALKING AND RUNNING-Hartford

$5,500 Raised Will Fight Women's Heart Disease

HARTFORD - JULY 14, 2001 - Veteran runner Gordon Bakoulis of New York City, 40, captured the Avon Walking & Running-Hartford 10K title today with a winning time of 35:05, four seconds ahead of the second-place finisher. Over 1,500 women participated in this year's event, which included a 10K run (6.2 miles), 5K walk/run (3.1 miles), and a Kids' Dash. The Avon Walking & Running program is the only international series of its kind that provides women of all ages and fitness levels an opportunity to pursue elite racing, moderate running or simple fitness in unified events.

"Great weather, high caliber of competition, everyone was prepared to give their all," Balkoulis said. "I applaud Avon for their incredible support of women's running, and I am glad to be in Hartford. It's a tremendous day for all women, too". "I love Avon," she said. "They have done so much for running."

Zofia Wieciorkowski, 38, a Polish-born runner from Stratford, ran second at 35:09, keeping the heat on Bakoulis throughout the race. Tania Poma, 23, of Cochambamba, Bolivia, temporarily training in Torrington, ran third, at 35:35. Mary Dunn, 49, of Cheshire, ran first in the Master's Division at 39:45. Margo Braud, 42, of Austin, TX. took the Avon Representative title for the second consecutive year at 40:23.

Kathrine Switzer, Program Director for Avon Walking and Running, presented a check for $5,500 to the Women's Preventative Cardiac Health Ministries Program at Hartford Hospital, "Heart, Body & Soul", the charitable beneficiary of this year's event.

"You (Avon Walking & Running) are truly helping this grass roots, volunteer-run program," said Dr. Paul Thompson, Director of Cardiac Services, at Hartford Hospital, which had teams of nurses and other women participate in the event. "We sincerely thank you and all the women who came out today. Walking and running are superior exercise activities for healthy hearts."

Heart disease is the number one killer of women. It is the cause of death more often than all cancers combined. It is estimated that one-third of these deaths can be prevented by simple exercise. Avon Walking and Running - Hartford is designed to help women of every age and fitness level take control of their health and fitness by promoting walking and running - time-efficient, cost-effective and accessible exercise options. Women who walk or run build confidence and self-esteem, while improving their physical health and lowering their risk of cardiovascular disease.

During 2001, Avon Walking and Running events will take place in six additional U.S. cities, including:

Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN August 11
Baltimore, MD September 9
Albuquerque, NM September 16
Kansas City, MO October 7
Tampa, FL November 17
Phoenix, AZ * December 9
* The Phoenix event is also the Avon Walking & 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 is the world's leading direct seller of beauty and related products, with $5.7 billion in annual revenues. For more than a century Avon has provided women with economic opportunity and financial independence, and the company currently markets to women in 139 countries through 3.4 million independent sales representatives. Avon is committed to women through programs such as the Avon Breast Cancer Crusade, the Avon Worldwide Fund for Women's Health, and the Avon Breast Cancer 3-Days. Product lines include such recognizable brands as Anew, Skin-So-Soft, Avon Color, Far Away, Rare Gold, Perceive and Avon Skin Care. The company also markets an extensive line of fashion jewelry, apparel, gifts and collectibles.
More information on Avon and its products and programs can be found on the company's website www.avon.com.
Avon Running-Hartford - May 12, 2001 - 10K Race Results
```
Place       Name           Age        City       State   Time    Pace
1.	Gordon Bakoulis, 40, New York, NY, 35:05, 5:39
2.	Zofia Wieciorkowski, 38, Stratford, CT, 35:09, 5:40
3.	Tania Poma, 23, Torrington, CT, 35:35,  5:40
4.	Heather Porch, 29, Middletown, CT 36:29, 5:53
5.	Veronica Kanga, 28, Worcester, MA, 37:03, 5:59
6.	Heather Gardiner, 22, East Hartford, CT, 37:08, 5:59
7.	Connie Buckwalter, 30, Lancaster, PA, 37:13, 6:00
8.	Kate Paddon, 39, Colebrook, CT,  37:29, 6:02
9.	Merissa Perkins-Banas, 30, Norwich, CT 38:12, 6:09
10.	Maggie Hanson, 21, Bowdoinham, ME, 39:14, 6:19
```