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September 29, 2008

MEDTRONIC TWIN CITIES MARATHON RACE WEEKEND OFFERS EXCITEMENT FOR EVERYONE
Medtronic TC Family Events, C9 for Target Expo, course entertainment and spectator opportunities all part of race weekend, October 3-5

(Minneapolis) - Runners and spectators alike have the chance to pace in some fun during the Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon race weekend events, that kick-off on Friday, October 3 with the C9 for Target Health & Fitness Expo.  More than 80 vendors, offering race weekend gear, running supplies and food sampling will be available Friday and Saturday at the RiverCentre in St. Paul.  At the same time, speakers including Olympic marathoner Alberto Salazar and Runners World Columnist Kristin Armstrong, will be sharing their inspiration and expectations for Sunday's races. 

Known as "A Day of Fun for the Whole Family," the Medtronic TC Family Events & TC 5K take place on the State Capitol grounds (Marathon Finish Area) in St. Paul on Saturday.  All participants (excluding the Diaper Dash & Toddler Trot) will finish at the marathon finish line where more than 17,000 marathoners and ten-mile runners will complete their races on Sunday.  Events include the TC 5K Run/Walk, The Diana Pierce Family Mile, the Half Mile, Diaper Dash, Toddler Trot and Harry & Shelly's Mascot Invitational.  More than 1,500 kids from 34 schools have registered for events on Saturday as part of the Medtronic TC Kids Marathon, a free online-training program that gets kids and families active.   An estimated 5,000 participants are expected, and individuals can register Friday at the expo and on Saturday at the State Capitol, up to 15 minutes before the start of each event. 

The Better Health & Living Magazine Family Activities Tent will be open in front of the State Capitol from 8:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, and features more than 20 family friendly activities.  The tent is free and open to the public.

For those wishing to load up on some carbs before Sunday's race, the Buca Di Beppo Pasta Party takes place Saturday, from 4:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.  Tickets are free for kids under 8, and $15 for adults, and can be purchased at the party, which takes place in the RiverCentre, adjacent to the Expo. 

Spectators can find the 2008 Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon Spectators Guide that lists the best places to watch Sunday's runners, the weekend's schedule of events, as well as course maps, at Whole Foods, Caribou Coffee and Life Time Fitness.  A down-loadable version is available at mtcmarathon.org. 

Sunday, the Medtronic TC 10 Mile kicks off with a special 7:05 a.m. start for the USA Women's 10 Mile Championship, featuring the best from the women's professional field in the United States.  Immediately following, the remaining ten-mile field gets underway at 7:13 a.m. near the HHH Metrodome in Minneapolis. 

Marathoners get started near the HHH Metrodome with the Wheelers' division beginning at 7:50 a.m. and runners taking the start at 8:00 a.m.  They will be entertained by more than 30 entertainment acts along the route and 12 Official ING Neighborhood Cheer Zones.  Post-race festivities include the 27^th Mile Party Tent, featuring entertainment, food and fun in front of the State Capitol. 

Medtronic TC 10 Mile and Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon awards ceremony will take place at 9:30 a.m. and noon, respectively.  The ceremonies will be hosted live on the LED board in the 27^th Mile, courtesy of Freestyle Productions. 

Streaming of the finish will be live on KARE11.com and will be available to review throughout the week following the race.  Visit mtcmarathon.org for more information on all weekend activities.

About the Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon
The Most Beautiful Urban Marathon in America is recognized as one of the top marathons and great road races of our time. Join us as the tradition continues October 3-5, 2008. 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. Medtronic is the title sponsor of marathon events and other major sponsors include C9 for Target, KARE 11, the Pioneer Press and CBS Radio-Minneapolis.  Twin Cities Marathon, Inc. is the non-profit organization that directs race weekend as a community service for the Minneapolis/St. Paul area. Visit www.mtcmarathon.org for more information.

POSTED BY: MACKENZIE LOBBY