Charlotte, NC – March 1, 2005 -- With almost two months until the first-ever Avon Walk for Breast Cancer in Charlotte, there’s still plenty of time to register and train for this important fundraising event. Dedicated women and men of the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer will walk either a marathon or a marathon and a half to raise money and awareness for breast cancer.

The Avon Walk for Breast Cancer Charlotte is a noncompetitive walk structured for all fitness levels. The event begins Saturday, April 16, at 6:30 a.m. at Memorial Stadium in Charlotte and ends Sunday, April 17, at 4:00 p.m. at the same location.

On the first day – Saturday – participants have the choice of walking 13.1 or 26.2 miles – a half or full marathon. On Sunday, all walkers will complete another 13.1 miles, concluding with a celebratory closing ceremony that will include announcements of new local funding grants made possible by their journey.

On Saturday night, participants will stay at the “Wellness Village,” their home away from home, located at McAlpine Creek Park. The Wellness Village features two-person sleeping tents, hot showers, prepared meals, entertainment, volunteer massage therapy, comprehensive medical services, and other special services. Throughout the weekend, walkers are supported by a volunteer crew every step of the way, along the route and in the Wellness Village.

To participate in the Avon Walk Charlotte, each walker is required to raise a minimum of $1,800. Historically, past Avon Walk walkers have raised an average of over $3,000 each. Funds raised will be awarded to both local and national breast cancer organizations to support five areas of the breast cancer cause, including awareness and education, screening and diagnosis, access to treatment, support services, and scientific research. Beneficiaries range from leading cancer centers to community-based non-profit breast health programs.

Registration is still open for the Avon Walk Charlotte and the other events of the 2005 eight-city series. When participants register, they are assigned a “walker buddy” and provided with support in their fundraising and training initiatives. Interested participants should call 1-877-WALK AVON or go to www.avonwalk.org.

The Avon Walk Charlotte is the first in a series of eight events. The additional 2005 Avon Walks are: Washington, DC (April 30-May 1); Boston, MA (May 14-15); Chicago, IL (June 4-5); Denver, CO (June 25-26); San Francisco, CA (July 9-10); Los Angeles, CA (September 17-18); New York, NY (October 1-2).

Avon Walk for Breast Cancer is generously supported by National Sponsors Novartis Oncology and RYKÄ, Official Water FIJI, and Official Sponsors Airplus for Her and Crystal Light.

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Participants have already registered for the Avon Walk Charlotte from throughout the Southeast and across the nation. Media interested in speaking with local participants in training should contact Allyson Laughlin at allyson@youngnsavvy.com or call 310.779.9855.