Minneapolis-Based Medtronic Extends Title Sponsorship Of Twin Cities Marathon

Minneapolis-based medical device company Medtronic has extended its title sponsorship of the Twin Cities Marathon through '20. The five-year deal is valued at $2.5M total and makes Medtronic the title sponsor of the marathon, as well as the Twin Cities 1-mile and 10-mile running races. Medtronic became title sponsor of the Twin Cities Marathon in '06 after signing a deal with the race's operating group, Twin Cities In Motion. The 15-year sponsorship lifespan makes Medtronic’s deal one of the longest title sponsorships in U.S. marathon running. By contrast, ING’s title deal with the New York City marathon lasted 10 years before expiring following last year's race. Medtronic's activation includes a kids running series called the Medtronic TC Kids Marathon program, which promotes physical activity to youth groups in Minnesota. The company also promotes the Medtronic Global Heroes program, which celebrates disabled runners who use medical devices.