Seattle Laces Up to Beat the Bridge and Diabetes

SEATTLE, May 16 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- On Sunday, May 16, thousands of 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 28th Annual Nordstrom Beat the Bridge to Beat Diabetes event which benefits the Northwest chapter of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF).  Contributions from Nordstrom Beat the Bridge to Beat Diabetes are expected to exceed $1.3 million for diabetes research this year; raising more than $10 million since its inception in 1983.

"Those of us who are blessed with good health must do all we can to help support the research community in their search for a cure for juvenile diabetes," said Nadine Heichel, Executive Director, JDRF Northwest Chapter.  "The daily regimen of finger pricks and injections of insulin, combined with the constant dread of complications, are burdens that no child should have to endure."

The Nordstrom Beat the Bridge to Beat Diabetes competitive 8K is the fourth largest 8K race in the country. Non-competitive events included a Four-mile Family Walk, a One-Mile Fun Run and a Diaper Derby which provided fun for the entire family.  Spectators were invited to participate in a variety of activities and entertainment. Approximately 1,000 Nordstrom employees and JDRF supporters will volunteer over 5,000 hours this year for the Nordstrom Beat the Bridge to Beat Diabetes events.  

Proceeds from Nordstrom Beat the Bridge to Beat Diabetes, including registration fees and pledges, benefit the Northwest chapter of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. Pledges for this year's event will be accepted through June 11 for prize eligibility. Major sponsors of the 2010 event include: Nordstrom, JDRF, Brooks, Safeco Insurance, KOMO 4 TV and KOMO 1000 Radio, Group Health, PACCAR, UPS and Wells Fargo. For more information, please visit www.beatthebridge.org.

Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, the world's leading nonprofit, nongovernmental funder of diabetes research, was founded in 1970 by the parents of children with type 1 diabetes—a disease that 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.  The Northwest chapter serves people in Washington, Montana, and Alaska through advocacy efforts, online support and resources, educational events, research updates, fundraisers, and Northwest diabetes resources. For more information, please visit www.jdrfnorthwest.org, call (800) 925-5533 or e-mail [email protected].

Nordstrom, Inc. is one of the nation's leading fashion specialty retailers, with 193 stores located in 28 states.  Founded in 1901 as a shoe store in Seattle, today Nordstrom operates 114 full-line stores, 76 Nordstrom Racks, two Jeffrey boutiques and one clearance store.  Nordstrom also serves customers through its online presence at www.nordstrom.com and through its catalogs.  Nordstrom, Inc. is publicly traded on the NYSE under the symbol JWN.

2010 NORDSTROM BEAT THE BRIDGE 8K RACE WINNERS

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SOURCE Nordstrom, Inc.