Press Release - Twin Cities Marathon - 8/7/08

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
 
Registration For 3rd Annual ING Neighborhood Cheer Zones Contest Underway

            Contest gives Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon 
 spectators the chance to win cash prizes for neighborhood charities

(Minneapolis, MN) –With registration for the Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon 
and Medtronic TC 10 Mile finished, opportunities are now available for 
spectators to participate in the weekend by hosting an official ING 
Neighborhood Cheer Zone along the marathon course.  

Again this year, ING and Twin Cities Marathon, Inc. are hosting the 
official ING Neighborhood Cheer Zone contest, offering cash awards to the 
top three winners to be donated to a neighborhood school, non-profit 
association or recreation/community center.  

The contest is a way to recognize the neighborhoods that come out to 
support the participants each year.  "Energy and enthusiasm from the 
community helps to make a marathon successful," said Mike Emerson, 
President, ING Reinsurance.  "The ING Neighborhood Cheer Zone contest is a 
great way to recognize the many Twin Cities residents who come out on race 
day to support the runners."

Those interested in creating an Official Cheer Zone can register for free 
by September 10.  Each cheer zone will be given a cheer zone starter kit 
with Thunder Sticks, spectator guides and decorating ideas to get 
creativity started.  Official cheer zones will be judged on creativity and 
enthusiasm.   

Cash prizes include a $750, $500 and $250 prizes to first through third 
place winners. Prize money won by the zones will be donated to a non-profit 
neighborhood association, recreation or school of the winners' choice.  A 
fourth prize, recognizing a contest created by kids will be added to this 
year's awards.  Visit mtcmarathon.org for more details and to register a 
cheer zone by September 10.  

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