Minnesota Distance Elite

Minnesota Distance Elite - formerly Team USA Minnesota - was founded in 2001 and is based in the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul.  Over the years, the training group has developed an Olympian, a NACAC Cross Country Champion and 24 national champions in distances ranging from the 1500 meters up through the marathon, achieved 75 top three finishes in U.S. Championships and placed 30 athletes on U.S. World teams.  

The team has also forged a strong presence in the Twin Cities community, and fostered ongoing relationships with sponsors and contributors, both locally and nationally.

To date, Minnesota Distance Elite has played a significant role in improving American distance running and plans to do so throughout the foreseeable future.  The Team’s Mission since 2001 is to:

1. - Provide an opportunity for talented distance runners to train in an environment that will prepare them to compete on a level with the best in the nation and in the world, including Olympic competition;

2. -Raise awareness of the sport of distance running through promotional and marketing activities;
   -Participate in related community outreach programs, such as clinics, camps, school programs and speaking appearances, in particular working with youth to inspire and motivate them toward healthy lifestyles and goal setting; and
   -Serve as a focal point for distance running in Minnesota and the nation, a sport that attracts thousands of participants for fitness, exercise and competition.