MINNEAPOLIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Mar. 1, 2012-- Medtronic, Inc. (NYSE: MDT) announced today it is recruiting runners from around the world who benefit from medical technology to participate in the seventh annual Medtronic Global Heroes program. Up to 25 runners will be selected to receive a paid entry for themselves and a guest to the Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon or the Medtronic TC 10 Mile and a travel package that includes airfare and accommodations for the Global Hero and guest.

To apply or recommend someone to be a 2012 Medtronic Global Hero, visit medtronic.com/globalheroes. The 31st Annual Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon weekend will take place October 5 – 7, 2012. The deadline for Global Hero applications is April 27, 2012.

A cooperative effort between Twin Cities in Motion (organizers of the Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon) and the Medtronic Foundation, the Global Heroes program recognizes runners from around the world who have a medical device.

To qualify as a Global Hero, runners must currently be using a medical device therapy to treat the following disease categories: heart disease, diabetes, chronic pain, spinal disorders, or neurological, gastroenterology and urological disorders. Eligible medical devices include any pacemaker or implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD), any spinal device, any neurological device, any insulin pump, or any heart valve. All runners with eligible medical devices are welcome to apply, regardless of device manufacturer.

The application deadline is April 27, 2012. Runners will be chosen by a committee of Twin Cities in Motion. Certain conditions may apply and applicants must certify that they have discussed race participation with their physician.

About Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon
Known as The Most Beautiful Urban Marathon in America™, the Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon weekend is a three-day celebration of fitness that includes the Medtronic TC Family Events, TC 5K, TC 10K, Medtronic TC 10 Mile, and the marathon. Twin Cities in Motion is the non-profit organization that directs race weekend as a community service for the Minneapolis/St. Paul area. Visit https://www.tcmevents.org/ for more information.

About the Medtronic Foundation
The Medtronic Foundation is committed to improving the lives of people around the world living with chronic disease. Its grant making is focused in three areas: health, education and community.

About Medtronic
Medtronic, Inc. (www.medtronic.com), headquartered in Minneapolis, is the global leader in medical technology – alleviating pain, restoring health, and extending life for millions of people around the world.

Source: Medtronic, Inc.

Medtronic, Inc.
Rich Fischer, 763-505-2975
Public Relations