Medtronic to Continue Marathon Sponsorship

Twin Cities In Motion, the organizers of the Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon and its affiliated events, announced yesterday that its partnership with Medtronic, Inc. will continue for at least three more years.

Medtronic and Twin Cities In Motion have signed a letter of intent to continue their partnership through 2013. In the agreement, Medtronic will remain title sponsor of four important Twin Cities In Motion events: the TC 1 Mile, the TC Family Events, the TC 10 Mile, and the Twin Cities Marathon. Additionally, the Medtronic Foundation will continue to support the Medtronic TC Kids Marathon, a nationally recognized youth running program.

The agreement extends the original five-year partnership the Twin Cities-based medical products company and the marathon made in 2006, which was to expire after this year's event.

“This partnership is a perfect fit, as we share similar values and a strong commitment to make our community a better, healthier place to live and work,” Kirsten Gorsuch, Medtronic vice president, corporate communications said in a media release. “As we look to the future, we are excited to build upon that foundation in an effort to help create a healthier Minnesota , and a healthier world.”

“Since Medtronic became our title sponsor of the four events in 2006, participation has increased more than 40 percent,” Virginia Brophy Achman , Twin Cities In Motion executive director said. “In addition, more than 11,000 children have participated in the Medtronic TC Kids Marathon school-based program, running a collective 233,000 miles. This partnership clearly has enabled us to do more than ever to help promote health and fitness in Minnesota and throughout the world.”

Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon events for 2010 kicked-off yesterday with the Health and Fitness Expo. Racing begins today with the TC 10K, TC 5K & Medtronic TC Family Event. On Sunday morning, the Medtronic TC 10 Mile and the Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon will host thousands or runners racing from Minneapolis to St. Paul.