Press Release - Twin Cities Marathon - 3/29/16

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

    MEDTRONIC foundation SEEKS RUNNERS benefitting from medical technology
                        FOR 2016 "GLOBAL HEROES" TEAM

Applications now open: www.medtronic.com/globalheroes

Selected runners receive entry and travel to the Medtronic Twin Cities 
Marathon or Medtronic TC 10 Mile in October 2016

Cancer, Stroke, Obesity added to list of eligible medical 
conditions

DUBLIN – March 29, 2016 – Applications are now open for the 2016 Global 
Heroes running team. Every October since 2006, the Medtronic Foundation and 
Twin Cities In Motion have brought people from around the world to 
Minnesota to be part of a unique collection of long-distance runners, all 
benefitting from medical technology. As a team, they run the Medtronic Twin 
Cities Marathon or Medtronic TC 10 Mile.

In 10 years, 234 runners representing 34 different countries and a wide 
range of medical conditions have run the beautiful courses that wind 
through the lakes and neighborhoods of Minneapolis and St. Paul. They also 
represent a return to an active life and the importance of access to 
quality healthcare. They are part of a growing movement that puts patients 
at the center of efforts to improve healthcare.  

Selected Global Hero runners must have a medical device, therapy or 
procedure to treat heart disease, stroke, diabetes, cancer, chronic pain, 
spinal or neurological disorders, obesity and gastrointestinal and 
urological disorders. There is no restriction on manufacturer of these 
therapies or procedures.  

"Each Global Hero who crosses that finish line represents those who have 
been given an opportunity to live an active life," says Jacob Gayle, vice 
president of the Medtronic Foundation. "As we honor them, we also give them 
a platform to reach others living with similar medical conditions and 
circumstances. By sharing their remarkable stories with the world, we hope 
to educate, inspire and encourage people to take action with their own 
health."

"The program has grown to be a unique experience in the world of distance 
running," says Virginia Brophy Achman, executive director, Twin Cities In 
Motion, organizers of the race events. "From the moment the Global Heroes 
are greeted at the airport, to crossing the finish line with thousands of 
cheering spectators, these inspiring runners will have an event weekend 
like no other in our sport."

"It was amazing to be part of the Global Heroes family," said Delphine 
Arduini, 

A 2015 Global Hero with type 1 diabetes from Saint Restitut, France. "Being 
able to share experiences with people who deal with different medical 
conditions on a daily basis gives you the inspiration to go further." 

The 2016 Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon weekend will take place October 
7-9, 2016. 

Applications and full information for the 2016 Global Hero team are 
available at medtronic.com/globalheroes. The application deadline is May 6, 
2016. 

Up to 25 people will be selected for the 2016 Global Heroes team by a 
committee of Twin Cities In Motion. Certain conditions may apply and 
applicants must certify that they have discussed race participation with 
their physician.  

Selected runners will receive a paid entry for themselves and a guest to 
the Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon or the Medtronic TC 10 Mile and a travel 
package that includes airfare, accommodations and a host of VIP events for 
the Global Hero and a guest.

About Twin Cities In Motion
Twin Cities In Motion organizes the region’s premier running events, 
including the Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon, a Top 10 U.S. Marathon. With 
a mission of promoting healthy lifestyles through running events and 
community outreach, TCM contributes a portion of every race dollar to local 
youth and professional athletes and helps raise more than $950,000 annually 
with its charity partners. Visit tcmevents.org for more information.

About Medtronic and Medtronic Foundation
Medtronic plc (www.medtronic.com), headquartered in Dublin, Ireland, is 
among the world’s largest medical technology, services and solutions 
companies – alleviating pain, restoring health and extending life for 
millions of people around the world. The Medtronic Foundation focuses on 
supporting health and health access initiatives in communities where 
Medtronic employees live and give.


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