Posted: September 19, 2005

Athletics: 2005 Twin Cities Marathon Exceeds Sponsorship Targets as It Prepares to Host USA Championships on October 2

Cub Foods Returns for 12th Straight Year

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. - (Sept. 19, 2005) - The Twin Cities Marathon (TCM) has announced that its 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™ on Sunday, October 2.

"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," said 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," stated 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," stated 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 prestige 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 sold-out 2005 Twin Cities Marathon weekend will take place September 30 - October 2. 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 USA Championships for masters men and women (40 and older) as well as the USA Men's and Women's Open Marathon Championships. Major corporate sponsors include Cub Foods, Capella University and ING. Twin Cities Marathon, Inc., a Running USA Founding Member, is a non-profit organization that directs the TCM weekend as a community service for the Minneapolis/St. Paul area. Visit TwinCitiesMarathon.org for more information.

Ryan Lamppa, Running USA Media Services Director
385 Oak View Lane
Santa Barbara, CA 93111

(805) 696-6232, fax (805) 967-5958
Ryan@RunningUSA.org
www.runningusa.org.