Posted: December 30, 2004

Athletics: Guidant Heart of Summer 10K Increases 2005 Women's Prize Purse

Contacts:
Joe & Kris Wirth, Race Directors, (952) 431-5455; race.director@charter.net,
Deb Schneider, Elite Female Recruiter, (612) 696-3707; debra.schneider@target.com.

MINNEAPOLIS - (December 28, 2004) - The Guidant Heart of Summer 10K has announced a significant increase to its 2005 prize purse. Total prize money will exceed $30,000 with 85% of the entire purse dedicated to the Women's 10K.

The race will be held August 20, 2005 at Lake Nokomis in Minneapolis. In addition to the Women's 10K, a separate Men's 10K and a non-competitive 5K walk/run will be held. ChampionChip timing will be utilized for both 10K events.

"We are thrilled that Guidant Corporation has agreed to continue its title sponsorship for 2005, and we are committed to attract the top female runners to the Twin Cities," said race director Kris Wirth. "Guidant is again demonstrating its commitment to increase awareness of heart disease in women by making this event possible in the Twin Cities. We hope to further educate and combat our nation's #1 killer."

The Guidant Heart of Summer 10K is hosted by the Runner's Soul Running Club, and race proceeds and funds raised through pledges and contributions will go to support women's heart disease awareness and prevention efforts.

For a complete prize money breakdown and more race information, visit the race website at: www.heartofsummer.org.

About Guidant
Guidant Corporation pioneers lifesaving technology, giving an opportunity for better life today to millions of cardiac and vascular patients worldwide. The company, driven by a strong entrepreneurial culture of 12,000 employees, develops, manufactures and markets a broad array of products and services that enable less invasive care for some of life's most threatening medical conditions. For more information, visit www.guidant.com.

Ryan Lamppa, Running USA Media Services Director
385 Oak View Lane
Santa Barbara, CA 93111

(805) 696-6232, fax (805) 967-5958
Ryan@RunningUSA.org
www.runningusa.org.