FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Ginny Cassidy
Marketing & PR Manager
(763) 287-3888 x 13
TWIN CITIES MARATHON IN EXCELLENT POSITION AS IT PREPARES
TO HOST NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS
Sponsor Support Increases in 2005
Cub Foods Returns for 12th Straight Year
(Minneapolis, MN) - With one month until race day, the Twin Cities Marathon
(TCM) announced that sponsorship targets have been exceeded, putting the
2005 race in excellent financial shape for the upcoming USA Marathon
Championships and 24th running of the Most Beautiful Urban Marathon in
America ™.
"Many people don't realize that our sponsors help us to provide the
amenities that make the Twin Cities Marathon a top-tier U.S. marathon,"
states Virginia Brophy Achman, executive director of the TCM. "Their
support allows us to provide runners with the best possible experience out
on the course."
Major sponsors ING and Capella University and Gold level sponsors
Medtronic, Brooks and Outback Steakhouse all increased their financial
commitments from 2004 to 2005 to help the TCM achieve its sponsorship
goals, according to John Aronson, TCM sales director.
"We see many similarities between distance runners and the students in our
bachelor's, master's and doctoral programs at Capella University," states
Michael J. Offerman, president and CEO of Capella University, an accredited
on-line University that offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs.
"It takes determination and persistence to finish a marathon and to earn an
advanced degree."
Joining Capella in a move from Gold level sponsor in 2004 to a Major
sponsor for 2005, ING announced a multi-year partnership with the TCM last
April.
"The enthusiasm of ING employee volunteers in the 2004 Twin Cities Marathon
made a powerful impression on runners and race fans -- and ING is thrilled
to expand our relationship with the TCM for 2005," said Jim Gelder,
president of ING Retail Life Distribution and a Minneapolis resident. The
company will once again sponsor the ING Health & Fitness Expo at the St.
Paul RiverCentre during marathon weekend.
"Cub Foods is proud to be a long-time sponsor of the Twin Cities Marathon,"
states Chris Murphy, director of Public Relations and Consumer Affairs for
the grocery chain, which returns for its 12th straight year as a Major
sponsor. "As a Minnesota-based company, we're thrilled to be a part of an
event that showcases the fantastic spirit of community in our state."
The support provided by these and other sponsors help create the full "TCM
Experience," which this year includes the presitge of hosting three
national marathon championships (Men's, Women's and Masters). With
thousands of runners, 250,000 spectators and entertainment lining the
entire course, the marathon provides an opportunity for the community to
come together to celebrate the Twin Cities.
###
The 2005 Twin Cities Marathon weekend will take place September 30 -
October 2, 2005. The three-day weekend celebration of fitness includes a
5K run/walk, children's fun runs, pasta dinner, health and fitness expo and
TC 10 Mile in addition to the marathon. TCM continues its 15th 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. Major 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.
###
|
