Team USA Minnesota is based in the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul. It was formed in January 2001. Athletes were selected to join the Distance Training Center beginning in April 2001. The athletes who are located here are primarily from Minnesota or the Upper Midwest. Along with other groups across the country, Team USA Minnesota is a coordinated effort to bring local resources together to dramatically improve post-collegiate American distance running and to develop future Olympians.

The Team USA Minnesota Distance Training Center builds upon the reputation of outstanding distance runners and Olympians who have come out of Minnesota over the years, including Steve Plasencia, Ron Daws, Van Nelson, Janis Klecker, Bob Kempainen, Mark Nenow, Buddy Edelen, Cathy Twomey, Mike Slack, Dick Beardsley, Steve Hoag, Garry Bjorklund, Jan Ettle, Steve Holman, Leslie Seymour, Bruce Mortenson, Lynn Nelson and others.

Team USA Minnesota provides the following to selected athletes: Coaching, training facilities, health club memberships at Life Time Fitness, a yearly stipend, assistance in finding a part-time job with a flexible work schedule, access to a designated medical team that specializes in runners, assistance with locating housing, and help with travel arrangements and expenses to competitions, among other resources.

The training center is for up to 15 athletes, both male and female who have the talent, drive and determination to be national, international and Olympic caliber distance runners. Athletes are selected through an application and review process (see Athletes).

Organization

The medical team is led by Bill Roberts, a physician on the faculty of the University of Minnesota Medical School who practices at the UMN Phalen Village Clinic in St. Paul - Bill is also medical director of the Twin Cities Marathon; and Rob Johnson, a family practice physician and head of the sports medicine organization Primary Care Sports Medicine (and a 23-year runner of the Twin Cities Marathon). In addition, Team USA Minnesota has made arrangements with massage therapists, physical therapists and trainers and provides athletes with a free health club membership.

The administrative group of volunteers consists of a marketing and promotion specialist, an athlete liaison, representatives of USA Track & Field Minnesota and the Minnesota Distance Running Association, an events manager and other running-related specialists. The administrative group also handles fund raising activities. All members of the organization are experienced runners and involved in a variety of ways with the sport of distance running.

Community and Promotional Activities

In addition, Team USA Minnesota will help raise awareness of the sport of distance running through a variety of promotional and marketing activities.

Sponsorships/Partnerships

Web Site

Contact Information

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