SCENIC, USER-FRIENDLY RACE

IRON GIRL VANCOUVER WOMEN’S TRI

AN EXCITING NEW women’s only triathlon is set to hit Vancouver. On Sunday, Aug. 7, the first Iron Girl Vancouver Women’s Triathlon takes place at the picturesque Jericho Beach Park, including a 750-m swim, 20-km bike and 5-km run. Only a few short miles from downtown, the area hosts a series of flat sand beaches that offer fantastic swimming, walking, biking and running along the seawalk that surrounds part of the city. Year round, these beaches offer Vancouver’s most stunning harbour and mountain views.

“The main goal of this event is to get new athletes into the sport. It will be very user friendly with beginner clinics,” said Michelle Collens, Sport Host Manager for the City of Vancouver.

The Iron Girl triathlon builds on the legacy of women in sport established last year during the women’s FIFA World Cup in Canada. At that tournament, Canada set a new total attendance record for a women’s FIFA competition, with the total attendance reaching more than 1.35 million, creating an average attendance of 26,029 spectators per match. Millions more followed the competition on TV and the Internet.

“Vancouver offers the perfect destination for races that athletes will truly appreciate,” said Jeff Edwards, vice-president of operations for Ironman. “This urban event is great for those looking to take on the sport for the first time, and it also provides a unique experience for veteran athletes as well.”

Launched in 2004 with just two events in the United States, the Iron Girl brand has gained popularity over the years. Beginning with 5- and 10-km events, Iron Girl now hosts half marathons, including mother/daughter races and sprint triathlons.

The swim course for the Iron Girl event will take place at the well-known Locarno Beach in beautiful English Bay. Locarno Beach is a family friendly, sandy beach with clean water and stands of tall evergreen trees nearby. It is a designated