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Rich Fischer

Public Relations

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MEDTRONIC SEEKS RUNNERS WITH MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY

FOR 2015 GLOBAL HEROES TEAM

APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN: Selected Runners Receive Entry and Travel to the Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon or Medtronic TC 10 Mile in October

DUBLIN March 16, 2015 Medtronic announced today that applications are open to runners around the world who benefit from medical technology to represent their country on the tenth Medtronic Global Heroes team. All runners with eligible medical devices are welcome to apply, regardless of device manufacturer.

In nine years, 209 runners representing 28 different countries and a myriad of disease conditions have run the beautiful course that winds through the lakes and neighborhoods of Minneapolis and St. Paul.

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, accommodations and a host of VIP events for the Global Hero and a guest.

Global Heroes is a cooperative effort between Medtronic Philanthropy and Twin Cities In Motion, the organizers of the Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon and Medtronic TC 10 Mile.

In 10 years, this program has grown to be one of the more unique running experiences in the world, says Virginia Brophy Achman, executive director, Twin Cities in Motion. From the moment you are greeted at the airport, to crossing the finish line with thousands of cheering spectators, the Global Heroes will have an event weekend like no other.

Global Heroes are truly remarkable people representing remarkable stories, says Jacob Gayle, vice president of Medtronic Philanthropy. As we honor them, we also create a platform for them to share those stories with the world, reaching others with similar conditions and circumstances, and hopefully encouraging them to take action with their health.

Its been amazing to see how this program has evolved from a concept in 2006 into one of Medtronics most embraced global programs, says Dr. Steve Oesterle, Medtronic senior vice president of medicine and technology, accomplished marathoner, and driving force behind Global Heroes. Each Global Hero who crosses that finish line, represents thousands of others who have been given an opportunity to live a full life.

The 2015 Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon weekend will take place October 2-4, 2015.

Applications and full information for the 2015 Medtronic Global Hero team are available at medtronic.com/globalheroes. The application deadline is May 1, 2015. To qualify as a Global Hero, runners must currently be treated with a medical device therapy to treat the following disease conditions: heart disease, diabetes, chronic pain, spinal disorders, or neurological, gastroenterology and urological disorders.

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 Twin Cities in Motion

Twin Cities In Motion organizes the regions premier running events, including the Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon, a Top 10 U.S. Marathon. With a mission of promoting healthy lifestyles through running events and community outreach, TCM contributes a portion of every race dollar to local youth and professional athletes and helps raise more than $800,000 annually with its charity partners. Visit tcmevents.org for more information.

About Medtronic and Medtronic Philanthropy

Medtronic plc (www.medtronic.com), headquartered in Dublin, Ireland, 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 supporting health and health access initiatives in communities where Medtronic employees live and give.