Posted: August 27, 2007

Athletics (RWire): Twin Cities Marathon, Inc. Voluntarily Increases Drug Testing at 2007 Event

USA Track & Field has selected Medtronic TC 10 Mile for drug testing; event will also test at Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon MINNEAPOLIS - (August 23, 2007) - Twin Cities Marathon, Inc. will support the USA Track & Field (USATF) "Zero Tolerance" anti-doping policy by voluntarily increasing the number of elite athletes to be tested at its event on Sunday, October 7. USATF selected the Medtronic TC 10 Mile, the 2007 USA Men's 10 Mile Championship, as part of its program to test elite athletes competing at national championship events. Athletes tested at championship events are selected randomly by U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) and funding for this testing is supported by USADA and the U.S. Olympic Committee. Costs to test average between $300 and $500 per athlete. "Twin Cities Marathon, Inc. supports the efforts to keep the sport of running clean," said Twin Cities Marathon, Inc. executive director Virginia Brophy Achman. "We agree with race officials around the country, including Grandma's Marathon, that testing for performance enhancing drugs sends the message that runners and wheelers can expect a fair competition. We've chosen to increase testing beyond what would normally be conducted and believe the cost we will incur to do this is part of the responsibility of operating a successful, respected event that supports true athletic ability." USATF announced the "Zero Tolerance" anti-doping plan in 2003 with a focus on increasing education, identifying athletes using performance enhancing drugs and increasing punishments and fines for cheating athletes and their coaches. "USA Track & Field is committed to playing a bigger role in how we influence athletes and those around athletes to not make the tragic choice to cheat," said USATF CEO Craig Masback. "We are pleased to see events like the Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon take these steps to help ensure a level playing field for all athletes." Twin Cities Marathon, Inc. is also host again of the USA Masters Marathon Championships. Visit MTCMarathon.or for more information. Ryan Lamppa, Running USA Media Director (805) 696-6232; Fax = (805) 659-0016 Ryan@RunningUSA.org www.RunningUSA.org. Subscribe to the Runner's Web Weekly Digest