The Avon Walk is a marathon walk and a half over two days. The total distance is a matter of choice but the goal is to walk at least the distance of a marathon (26.2 miles) which can be spread out over both days or completed in one day - Saturday, leaving an additional half-marathon (13.1 miles) to be walked on Sunday. It's a choice to make at any time. Participants receive support every step of the way with regular stops for water, food and snacks. Medical aid stations will take care of anything from muscle cramps and sore knees to blisters. Assistance with gear or transport will be at hand, as well.

Following the Saturday walk, participants will stay at the "Wellness Village" for the night. It will feature two-person sleeping tents, hot showers, prepared meals, entertainment, volunteer massage therapy, comprehensive medical services, and other special services. After a long day first day, walkers will enjoy time with visiting family and friends.

On Sunday, all walkers will complete the 13.1 miles back to the starting point for the closing ceremony, where initial local funding grants will be announced.

Participation in the Avon Walk really does benefit everyone. Each walker commits to raising a minimum of $1800 for the Avon Foundation Breast Cancer Crusade, who’s primary focus is assisting the medically under-served population, including minorities, the poor, elderly, the

under- and uninsured, with a mission to fund access to care and finding a cure for breast cancer. It may seem like a lot of money to raise but the organization makes it easy and straight forward for all concerned.

In 2004, there were 1400 participants in the LA Beaches Walk who raised

3.2 million dollars. There is no doubt that 2005 will be even bigger.

2005 also marks the 50th anniversary of the Avon Foundation. The foundation started with a $400.00 scholarship grant in 1955 and has grown to a non-profit public charity that raises millions of dollars each year to further critical causes of women around the world. The Avon Breast Cancer Crusade is their most widely known program. Avon Walk - LA Beaches is the seventh in a series of eight Avon Walks nationwide. 2005 marathons have been completed in Charlotte, NC, Washington, DC, Boston, MA, Chicago, IL, Denver, CO and San Francisco, CA with Los Angeles - September 17-18 and New York, NY - October 1-2 still to come.

Breast cancer has yet to be eradicated but great strides have been made through the contributions of organizations like the Avon Foundation.

Any and every little bit helps.

Contact and Info:

877-WALK-AVON