TriColumbia to Launch Registration for Two Iron Girl Races Jan. 2

TriColumbia announced this week registration for its popular Iron Girl Triathlon races for 2014 will open on Jan. 2 at 9 a.m.

The Iron Girl Columbia Triathlon, which takes place on Sunday, Aug. 17, 2014 at Centennial Park has sold out quickly in past years, said Courtney Gaddi a TriColumbia spokesperson.

"For example, two years ago the Iron Girl Columbia Triathlon sold out within four hours of opening registration," wrote Gaddi, in an email. Gaddi expects registration to "really take off" on Jan. 2.

The Columbia triathlon is celebrating its ninth year in the county and is the most popular Iron Girl event in the country, according to TriColumbia. The race involves a 0.62 mile swim, 16 mile bike and 3.4 mile run.

Suzy Serpico, a Hammond Elementary School physical education teacher, won the race and the $1,700 first place prize in 2013 with a time of 1:23:12. 

The cost to enter is $140 for U.S.A. Triathlon members and $152 for non-members. Up to 2,400 women can participate in the race, which has a prize purse of $4,999.

The other race opening registration on Jan. 2 is the relatively new Iron Girl Rocky Gap Triathlon. The event is in its third year at Rocky Gap State Park in Flintstone, MD.

“Our fans have been patient, and now we are thrilled to announce registration for two of our most popular events which empower and inspire women across the region,” said LJ White, Executive Director at TriColumbia, in a statement. “Our team is honored to have the opportunity to provide a platform for all women to journey toward a healthy lifestyle while challenging themselves to achieve something great."