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MINNEAPOLIS – Feb. 15, 2006 – The Twin Cities Marathon and Medtronic, Inc. announced today a partnership to conduct long-term community outreach efforts to promote exercise, wellness and healthy lifestyles in the Twin Cities.
As part of that collaborative effort, Medtronic has become the first title sponsor of the Twin Cities Marathon, one of the country’s leading marathons. The marathon, and all its related races, will now be called the Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon. Race events will officially kick off April 25 with the Medtronic TC 1 Mile run and marathon registration, and culminate the weekend of Sept. 29 through Oct. 1 with the marathon and associated race activities.
“This is a wonderful partnership based on shared values of encouraging and helping people live healthier, more active lives,” said Virginia Brophy Achman, Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon executive director. “Together, we will be able to do more than ever before to help promote health and exercise with Minnesota families. This partnership provides us with the expanded resources needed to bring life-changing messages to people, all while continuing to conduct world-class race events.”
“We’re delighted to join forces with a hometown institution that so perfectly complements our own community efforts,” said Art Collins, chairman and chief executive officer of Medtronic. “Medtronic’s mission calls for us to improve the health and well-being of the communities where we live and work. Working with this first-class organization and its committed staff and volunteers, we gain a powerful partner to help fulfill that mission.”
This year, Medtronic and the Medtronic Foundation will contribute nearly $50 million to charitable causes around the world. With headquarters in Fridley, the company focuses much of its philanthropy in Minnesota. The Foundation is particularly committed to health and community programs that encourage healthy lifestyles in children.
The partnership between Medtronic and the Twin Cities Marathon is a five-year, exclusive agreement with options to extend the agreement in the future.
The 2006 Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon weekend will take place Sept. 29 – Oct. 1, 2006. The three-day weekend celebration of fitness includes a 5K run/walk, children's fun runs, pasta dinner, health and fitness expo and Medtronic TC 10 Mile, in addition to the marathon. The race continues its 16th consecutive year as the designated USATF National Masters Championship for both men and women and will also host the USATF men’s and women’s open Marathon Championships. Other corporate sponsors include Cub Foods, Capella University and ING. Twin Cities Marathon, Inc. is a non-profit organization that directs the TCM weekend as a community service for the Minneapolis/St. Paul area. Visit www.twincitiesmarathon.org for more information.
Medtronic, Inc. (www.medtronic.com), headquartered in Minneapolis, is the global leader in medical technology – alleviating pain, restoring health, and extending life for millions of people around the world.
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