SAINT PAUL, Minn. (October 1, 2017) –  Hugs. Tears. Exhaustion. The finish line is a place with lots of emotion.

But for a certain group of runners on Sunday, crossing the finish line also came with a sense of gratitude. 

“It was so humbling,” said Michelle Crosby from Australia. “I’m thinking about all of those who supported me. It’s been an amazing journey.”

On October 1, thousands of runners participated in the Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon and the Medtronic Twin Cities 10-Mile, but for 20 runners it was more than a race. The Medtronic Global Champions team consists of runners who have overcome health challenges, rely on medical technology, and are back to making the most of every moment.

“I have a pacemaker,” said Crosby, who participated in the marathon. “But this weekend has showed we’re not letting a medical condition slow us down.”

The Global Champions program honors long-distance runners from around the world and invites them to attend a weekend of events in Minneapolis and Saint Paul during the Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon Weekend.  This includes a tour at Medtronic where some connect with the very people who were integral in creating the medical technology and devices supporting their health conditions.

“It’s been an inspiring weekend,” said Bruno Helman from Brazil. “Hearing stories, meeting everyone on the team—together, we’re proving that you can still accomplish huge things.”

For the team, the weekend represents an opportunity to get to know others with similar struggles and accomplishments.

“I’m grateful for this connection with 19 other people from around the world who understand what I’ve gone through,” said Vincent Myers from New Jersey. ”It showed me, I’m not alone in life.”

 Global Champions receive complimentary race entry, air transportation, meals and lodging through the program. Participants submit applications online, and are selected through a cooperative effort between Medtronic and Twin Cities In Motion, the non-profit organization that directs the Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon.

Each year, the race draws more than 300,000 spectators and thousands of race participants.