TCM Renews with Team USA until 2012

Twin Cities in Motion, the organizers of the Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon and other events, has signed a three-year agreement with Team USA Minnesota, pledging continued support of the elite, post-collegiate training group through the next Olympics.

Team USA Minnesota announced the partnership today.

TCM extended its the silver level sponsorship through 2012. The organization has been a Team USA Minnesota sponsor since the training group was formed in 2001, but this agreement marks the first time a three-year arrangement has been signed.

"We are proud to continue our support of Team USA Minnesota," Virginia Brophy Achman, executive director of Twin Cities In Motion said in a Team USA media release. "This program's success has been a great model for other training centers. The resurgence and success among American distance runners is due in part to the efforts of the many athletes who have participated in this training program."

Since it was formed in 2001, Team USA Minnesota has developed an Olympian (Carrie Tollefson) and 12 national champions in events ranging from 1500 meters on the track to the marathon. Current team members include Jason Lehmkuhle, Matt Gabrielson, Antonio Vega, Josh Moen, Patrick Smyth, Katie McGregor, Kristen Nicolini, Michelle Frey, Emily Brown, Meghan Armstrong and Heather Dorniden.

The athletes are coached by Dennis Barker.

"We truly appreciate the extension of the Twin Cities In Motion sponsorship which takes our team up through the next Olympic cycle in 2012," Pat Goodwin, Team USA Minnesota founder and president said. "This long-standing partnership has been to the benefit of American distance running and in particular to our local training center for distance runners. The security of this funding, along with our other sponsorships and grants, will enable us to add at least three athletes to our team this summer."

In 2010, the TCM's 1 Mile event will host the USA Men's and Women's 1 Mile Road Championships on May 13. In October, the Medtronic TC 10 mile will host the USA Women's 10 Mile Championship, while the Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon will serve as the USA Men's Marathon Championship and USA Men's and Women's Masters Marathon Championships.