Saint Paul to Host 2014 USA Duathlon National Championships July 19 along Mississippi River
The race’s “Legacy Program” will collect gently worn shoes for homeless runners at Listening House.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 9, 2014
Contact:
Adam Johnson, Vice President of Marketing & Communications
C: 651.226.5403 | ajohnson@visitsaintpaul.com
Lisa Huber, Marketing & Media Relations Manager
C: 612.396.3864 | lhuber@visitsaintpaul.com
SAINT PAUL, Minn. – Saint Paul, Minnesota will host the 2014 USA Triathlon Duathlon National Championships presented by Life Time on July 19 with more than 600 athletes from across the country competing in the run, bike, run event. The course will take participants along the Mississippi River and throughout downtown.
“We are very excited to host this duathlon for the next two years,” said Terry Mattson, President & CEO of Visit Saint Paul. “We look forward to rolling out the red carpet for these participants and their friends and family from across the country to showcase the hospitality and beautiful course that Saint Paul has to offer.”
In conjunction with the event, Visit Saint Paul has organized a “Legacy Program” that will leave a lasting impact long after the event leaves town. From July 12-19, TruBerry Frozen Yogurt (949 Grand Avenue) will serve as a collection site for gently worn running shoes that will be donated to Next Steps, a running club for homeless men and women sponsored by St. Paul's Listening House shelter. Shoe donors will receive a buy one get one free frozen yogurt to use at TruBerry.
“The shoes that are collected during this program will mean so much to members of Next Steps,” said Julie Borgerding, who helped found Next Steps in 2012. “Homelessness is a very depressing place to be and getting exercise is one of the best things these people can do for themselves."
Next Step member Ricardo Flores will be participating in the running portion of the duathlon.
Volunteer opportunities still exist for the 2014 USA Triathlon Duathlon National Championships presented by Life Time.
About Listening House:
Listening House is a sanctuary from the streets where practical assistance, counsel and a friendly ear are offered to people who are homeless, disadvantaged or lonely. Staff and volunteers aspire to create a sense of community and connection by promoting respect for all. Respect nurtures hope, which in turn strengthens personal resolve toward positive change. Our doors open to over 200 adults each day. Though our space is humble, friendships are rich and we actively engage with surrounding businesses to be a good neighbor. Support comes from a variety of sources and includes financial contributions, in-kind donations, professional services, and over 8,000 hours of volunteer assistance, annually.
About Visit Saint Paul:
Visit Saint Paul, formerly the Saint Paul Convention & Visitors Authority, was founded in 1927 as the Saint Paul Convention and Visitors Bureau, making it one of the oldest destination marketing organizations in the United States. The mission of the organization is to generate economic growth for Saint Paul by effectively marketing the RiverCentre campus, Saint Paul and the region as a preferred convention and tourism destination. Visit Saint Paul oversees management of the Saint Paul RiverCentre Convention Center and Legendary Roy Wilkins Auditorium.