FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Megan Ryan
Twin Cities Marathon
763-287-3888, ext. 13
Rich Fischer
Medtronic, Inc.
763-505-2975
MEDTRONIC TWIN CITIES MARATHON LAUNCHES TWO PROGRAMS TO RECRUIT AND
RECOGNIZE RUNNERS WITH CHRONIC HEALTH CONDITIONS
MINNEAPOLIS – June 29, 2006 – Medtronic, Inc. announced today the addition
of two new Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon (MTCM) programs specifically
designed to recruit and recognize runners living with a chronic disease.
The 25th Annual Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon weekend will take place
Sept. 29 through Oct. 1, 2006.
The first award, Medtronic's "Triumphant Soles," will recognize five race
participants who manage a chronic disease such as diabetes, arthritis,
heart disease, Parkinson's disease or chronic pain while maintaining an
active running lifestyle.
The second award, the MTCM "Global Heroes" program, is a global search for
runners living with a chronic health condition whose lives have been
improved by medical device technology. Up to 20 runners selected from
around the world will receive paid entry into the sold-out Medtronic Twin
Cities Marathon or the Medtronic TC 10 Mile and a travel allowance to help
cover travel, lodging and meal expenses for out-of-town participants.
"Medtronic has a long and proud tradition helping people live full and
active lives," said Dr. Steve Oesterle, Medtronic senior vice president of
medicine and technology and veteran of 10 marathons. "Whether it's one
mile or 26, we hope these runners inspire others to follow in their steps."
Program Applications Now Available
Applications for both programs are now available at www.mtcmarathon.org.
The deadline for accepting all applications is August 1, 2006. For both
programs, runners will be chosen by a committee of the MTCM.
To qualify for the Triumphant Soles award, runners must share their
personal story of managing their chronic disease while continuing to run.
In addition, applicants must be running in a 2006 Medtronic Twin Cities
Marathon event. Events include the Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon,
Medtronic TC 10 Mile, the Medtronic TC 5K Run/Walk and Medtronic family
events.
Medtronic will donate $5,000 to the MTCM in the name of each of the five
Triumphant Soles award recipients to further develop and expand the reach
of the marathon’s youth running programs. Award recipients also will
receive a complimentary running entry in any 2007 MTCM event and a marathon
prize package.
To qualify for the Global Heroes program, applicants must currently be
using a medical device therapy treating the following disease categories:
heart disease, diabetes, chronic pain, Parkinson’s disease, spinal
disorders, hydrocephalus, or gastroenterology and urology conditions.
Applicants must certify that they have obtained physician approval to
participate in the Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon or Medtronic TC 10 Mile.
In addition to providing entry into the marathon or 10-mile race and travel
allowance to each Global Heroes recipient, the Medtronic Foundation will
donate $1,000 to a non-profit patient organization that educates and
supports people who live with the runner's condition.
"Every year, we learn about amazing, personal stories of runners who find
exercise is a necessary outlet in dealing with their disease," says
Virginia Brophy Achman, executive director of the Medtronic Twin Cities
Marathon. "These programs recognize their personal accomplishments and
create a platform where others can learn more about living with and
managing these conditions."
In February 2006, Medtronic and the Twin Cities Marathon, Inc., partnered
to conduct long-term community outreach efforts to promote exercise,
wellness and healthy lifestyles.
About Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon
The 25th Annual 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. Visit
www.twincitiesmarathon.org for more information.
About Medtronic
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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