MINNEAPOLIS - March 10, 2014 - Medtronic, Inc. (NYSE: MDT) announced today applications are open to runners around the world who benefit from medical technology to represent their country on the 2014 Medtronic Global Heroes team.

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 a guest.

The 2014 Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon weekend will take place October 3-5, 2014.  Since 2006, 184 runners representing 27 different countries and a myriad of chronic and degenerative disease conditions have run the beautiful course that winds through the lakes and neighborhoods of Minneapolis and St. Paul.

Applications and information for the 2014 Medtronic Global Hero team are available at medtronic.com/globalheroes.  The application deadline is April 25, 2014. 

A cooperative effort between Twin Cities In Motion (organizers of the Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon) and Medtronic Philanthropy, the Global Heroes program recognizes runners from around the world who have a medical device.  All runners with eligible medical devices are welcome to apply, regardless of device manufacturer.

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.

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. 

Multimedia Release
A multimedia version of this release, with a highlight video of last year's Medtronic Global Heroes, can be found at:   https://medtronicmediacap.gcs-web.com/medtronic-seeking-long-distance-runners-who-benefit-medical-technology

About Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon
Known as The Most Beautiful Urban Marathon in America(TM), the Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon weekend is a three-day celebration of fitness that includes the Medtronic TC Family Events, TC 5K run/walk, 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 tcmevents.org for more information.

About Medtronic and Medtronic Philanthropy
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.  Medtronic Philanthropy focuses on expanding access to quality chronic disease care among underserved populations worldwide, in addition to supporting health access initiatives in communities where Medtronic employees live and give.

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Contacts:
Rich Fischer
Public Relations
+1-763-505-2975