SEATTLE, May 21 /PRNewswire/ -- On Sunday, May 21st, over 10,000 runners, walkers and all manner of fleet footed fundraisers in the fight against diabetes gathered at University of Washington's Husky Stadium to participate in the 24th Annual Nordstrom Beat the Bridge to Beat Diabetes event benefiting the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF). Contributions from Nordstrom Beat the Bridge to Beat Diabetes are expected to exceed $1,000,000 for diabetes research this year; since its inception in 1983 over $8 million has been raised.
(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20001011/NORDLOGO )
"Thanks to the ongoing support of companies like Nordstrom, family teams and individuals, we are able to help fund the most innovative diabetes research worldwide," said Nadine Heichel, executive director of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation Northwest. "I look forward to the day when we find a cure that allows the individuals and families affected by diabetes to live without the restraints of this complicated disease."
Approximately 1000 Nordstrom employees and JDRF supporters volunteered over 5,000 hours this year for the Nordstrom Beat the Bridge to Beat Diabetes events.
"We are proud of how committed our employees are to Nordstrom Beat the Bridge to Beat Diabetes," said Len Kuntz, Nordstrom executive vice president and regional manager for Washington/Alaska. "Along with the dedication of JDRF, local businesses and the community, everyone involved plays a vital role in raising the funds needed to bring us closer to finding a cure for diabetes."
The fourth largest 8K race in the country, the Nordstrom Beat the Bridge to Beat Diabetes competitive 8K was selected as the 2005 Pacific Northwest Championship for both Open and Masters. The first male and female USATF member in the open division and all masters divisions (40-45, 45-49, etc.) will receive an award.
Non-competitive events included a 4-mile Family Walk, one-Mile Fun Run and a Diaper Derby provided additional fun for the whole family. Spectators were invited to participate in a variety of activities and entertainment and also enjoyed refreshments and great giveaways from local businesses.
Proceeds from Nordstrom Beat the Bridge to Beat Diabetes, including registration fees and pledges, benefit Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. Pledges for this year's event will be accepted through June 9. Major sponsors of this year's event included Nordstrom, Group Health Cooperative, ClearChannel Outdoor, Coca-Cola Enterprises, KOMO 4 and KOMO 1000, New Balance, Puget Sound Business Journal and Star 101.5
Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, the world's leading nonprofit, nongovernmental funder of diabetes research, was founded in 1970 by the parents of children with juvenile diabetes-a disease which strikes children suddenly, makes them insulin dependent for life, and carries the constant threat of devastating complications. JDRF contributes more money directly to diabetes research than any other non-governmental health agency in the world. JDRF's mission is constant: to find a cure for diabetes and its complications through the support of research. For more information, visit the website at http://www.jdrf.org/, or call 800-533-CURE.
CONTACT: Kendall Bingham
Nordstrom, Inc.
(206) 373.3031
Editor's Note: Attached is a list of 2005 and 2006 Nordstrom Beat the Bridge to Beat Diabetes 8K race winners. Please see 2006 winner list at the bottom of the release.
2005 NORDSTROM BEAT THE BRIDGE
8K RACE WINNERS
MEN
1. James Thie Clevedon, U.K. 24:35
2. Daniel McLean Seattle, WA 24:36
3. Eric Tollefson Tacoma, WA 24:52
4. Colin Fishwich Seattle, WA 25:09
5. Chris Charles Seattle, WA 25:11
6. Hans Otten Renton, WA 25:18
7. Kyle Smits Seattle, WA 25:40
8. Andrew Wartenburg Seattle, WA 25:53
9. Ryan Gallagher Seattle, WA 26:09
10. Keefer Whan Mt. Vernon, WA 26:11
WOMEN
1. Margaret Butler N. Vancouver, BC 28:37
2. Luda Vasilyeva Redmond, WA 29:13
3. Lauren Matthews Seattle, WA 30:07
4. Sally Bergeson Seattle, WA 30:13
5. Jaime Montgomery Seattle, WA 30:20
6. Emily Showman Seattle, WA 30:55
7. Lia Ossiander Seattle, WA 31:30
8. Kara Bazzi Seattle, WA 31:40
9. Jennifer Ordway Seattle, WA 31:43
10. Erika Daligon Seattle, WA 32:13
WHEELCHAIR MEN
1. Jacob Heilveil Bothell, WA 19:42
(10th consecutive win)
WHEELCHAIR WOMEN
2. Eve Hampton Lynnwood, WA 30:42
(2nd consecutive win)
2006 NORDSTROM BEAT THE BRIDGE
8K RACE WINNERS
MEN
1. Mark Mandi Seattle WA 24:29
2. Leif Kohler Issaquah, WA 24:47
3. Greg Crowther Seattle, WA 24:50
4. Chris Charles Seattle, WA 25:11
5. Drew Wartenburg Tacoma, WA 25:16
6. Casey Moriarty Seattle, WA 25:20
7. Andy Fader Lynnwood, WA 25:35
8. Brandon Fellows Mercer Island, WA 25:37
9. Greg Devore Seattle, WA 25:59
10. Brett Winegar Seattle, WA 26:01
WOMEN
1. Courtney Babcock Missoula, MT 27:02
2. Kelly Strong Kirkland, WA 28:07
3. Linda Huyck Olympia, WA 29:03
4. Sally Bergesen Seattle, WA 29:50
5. Emily Showman Seattle, WA 30:13
6. Rose Wetzel Seattle, WA 30:16
7. Lia Ossiander Seattle, WA 30:40
8. Erica Hill Bellevue, WA 30:57
9. Tina Gall Lynnwood, WA 31:19
10. Heather Griffith Seattle, WA 31:24
WHEELCHAIR MEN
1. Jerry Mitchell Federal Way, WA 22:41
WHEELCHAIR WOMEN
1. Suzannah Scaroni Tekoa, WA 25:51
