by Larry Eder
Abbott Sponsors Great Wall Marathon and Celebrates an Inspiring Experience
RUNNERS GATHER TO TEST THEIR ENDURANCE AND CONQUER A HISTORIC ICON
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TIANJING, China, May 16, 2015 — Why are more than 2,500 people from 52 countries lining up today to run 42.195 km, including more than 5,000 steps of the Great Wall? There are many reasons: To achieve their best. For family. For health. To raise money for an important cause. To tackle this extraordinary physical challenge. Wherever they have traveled from, whatever their motivation, the participants in the 16th Great Wall Marathon are united in one incredible journey – to enjoy this iconic location and savor the amazing feeling of crossing the finishing line.
BREATH-TAKING. IN BOTH SENSES OF THE WORD
As an official sponsor of the Great Wall Marathon, Abbott believes that there is untapped potential in all of us, and that we can accomplish amazing feats: like navigating thousands of steps and the steep sloping hillsides of Huangyaguan, Tianjin, China. The Great Wall Marathon is more than a running event; it’s also an exchange of Chinese culture and a testament to what can be achieved through health. Because of the unique challenges along the race course, the Great Wall Marathon has been billed as one of the toughest running events in the world. It was also named to the Forbes Magazine list of “Top 10 Marathons Worth Travelling For” due to the breath-taking scenery along the route.
Abbott’s sponsorship underlines its commitment to helping people achieve their personal best and live not just longer, but better. “Abbott has long been in the business of life -creating more possibilities for more people though the power of health for over 125 years,” said Elaine Leavenworth, senior vice president, chief marketing and external affairs officer, Abbott. “Through our title sponsorship of the Abbott World Marathon Majors, and now our partnership with the Great Wall Marathon in 2015, we are celebrating the achievement of runners as they demonstrate what’s possible when we are at our healthiest. “
SUPPORTING A HEALTHY, SUCCESSFUL RACE DAY
In addition to 29 Abbott employees participating in the race, one of the company’s innovative diagnostic products is being used by medical staff onsite. Abbott’s i-STAT® system, a handheld portable testing device, provides information that helps marathon medical staff to quickly diagnose and treat a range of health conditions – from heart function to dehydration – that may occur during the race. During the recent B.A.A. Boston and Virgin Money London Marathons, the i-STAT system was an important medical support along the course.
“The first ever Great Wall Marathon took place in 1999, and since then it has attracted thousands of runners and spectators from all over the world. This year we are welcoming more than 2,500 participants,” said Rune Nortoft, the Great Wall Marathon organizer.” As a company dedicated to helping people achieve their goals through better health, Abbott is a natural fit for the sponsor of the Great Wall Marathon. We greatly appreciate the support Abbott has provided to help make this year’s event a success. “
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A BUCKET-LIST OPPORTUNITY
“It is a truly breathtaking and rewarding experience to take part in this race,” said Jason Shen, an Abbott runner. “Running the Great Wall Marathon while representing Abbott will be something I never forget! I feel proud to be wearing the Abbott ‘A’ and promoting what it stands for – helping people to live their best lives, in all places, in all aspects and all stages.”
About Abbott
Abbott is a global healthcare company devoted to improving life through the development of products and technologies that span the breadth of healthcare. With a portfolio of leading, science-based offerings in diagnostics, medical devices, nutritionals and branded generic pharmaceuticals, Abbott serves people in more than 150 countries and employs approximately 73,000 people.
In China, Abbott has more than 4,000 employees working in manufacturing, research and development, logistics, sales and marketing. Primary locations in China are in Shanghai, Beijing and Guangzhou.
Visit Abbott at www.abbott.com or www.abbott.com.cn.
