FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Megan Ryan
Marketing & PR Manager
(763) 287-3888, ext. 13
TWIN CITIES MARATHON BEGINS 2005 SEASON WITH KICK-OFF AND TC 1 MILE
Countdown to registration opening begins with announcement
of ING as Major Sponsor
(Minneapolis, MN) - On the eve of the registration kick-off for the 24th
annual event, Twin Cities Marathon (TCM) announced a multi-year partnership
with ING as a major marathon sponsor. Tomorrow the 2005 season officially
begins with a registration Kick-Off Party and the running of the first TC 1
Mile. Both events take place in the evening, with registration kick-off
from 5-8 p.m. at 222 Event Centre, located at 222 1st Avenue NE, the
location also serves as the finish line for the inaugural TC 1 Mile.
"We are fortunate to start our 2005 season with the commitment of a company
that clearly shares our passion for running," said Virginia Brophy Achman,
TCM Executive Director. "We are excited about the marathon experience ING
brings with them -- there is so much we want to accomplish and having the
support of ING as we build toward our 25th Anniversary in 2006 will allow
us to further "wow" our participants," said Brophy Achman.
For their part, "ING is thrilled to expand our relationship with the Twin
Cities Marathon, one of the most popular marathons in the U.S.," said Jim
Gelder, president of ING Life Distribution. "Distance running events
attract a diverse field of participants and spectators in terms of gender,
age and nationality. This matches the diverse and international character
of ING." Through the ING Globerunners program, ING has made a serious
commitment to the sport of running and its desire to add to the development
of the sport. In addition to Minneapolis, ING is a primary sponsor of
marathons in New York, Amsterdam, Brussels, Edmonton, Luxembourg, Ottawa,
Thailand and Taipei.
Marathon officials hope to raise awareness about the registration kick-off
to make sure those who want to participate don't miss their chance. "We
are fortunate to have a race that is in very high demand," said Megan Ryan,
Marketing & PR Manager. "In addition to the beauty of the lakes, parkways
and spectacular finish, we treat our runners very, very well," said Ryan.
As a result, runners need to make sure they sign up early, as the field of
10,500 typically fills by the end of May. Kick-off provides a great
opportunity to visit with other marathoners, while ensuring a spot at the
starting line. For those who can't make it or are from out of town, online
registration begins on Friday, April 29 at www.twincitiesmarathon.org.
A new addition to kick-off this year is the opportunity to run or watch the
TC 1 Mile. The event begins at 6:45 p.m. with a non-competetive "Bolder
Wave" led by Olympian, Carrie Tollefson and her fellow Team USA Minnesota
teammates. That wave, benefiting Bolder Options, will be followed by
competitive age group waves, culminating with the open field where a number
of sub-four minute milers, including Team USA Minnesota's own Luke Watson
(pr 3:57) will compete for the first title in this stage of the America's
Downtown Mile Championship series.
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.
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