Iron Girl expands to Canada

Today, Iron Girl announced expansion to Canada with the introduction of Iron Girl^® Canada. This women’s only triathlon, consisting of a 500 meter swim, 20 km bike and 5 km run, will debut on August 11, 2013 at Nelles Beach Park which is the located in Grimsby, Ontario in the Niagara Region. The Town of Grimsby is located less than an hour from downtown Toronto and downtown Buffalo.

“We are pleased and honoured to host this first ever Canadian Iron Girl event in Grimsby, Ontario,” said Grimsby Mayor Bob Bentley. “As one of the most historic communities in Ontario, nestled between the Niagara Escarpment and Lake Ontario, at the start of the wine route of Niagara, we look forward to showing our guests why we are a community labeled ‘Friendly by Nature’. We wish the organizers much success in support of a very worthy cause.”

The event offers unique amenities such as a point-to-point swim, scenic bike and run course, custom finisher medals, awards, personalized race bibs (featuring each participant’s first name), performance shirts sized for women, post-race giveaways and much more.

“We are so excited to bring an Iron Girl event to Canadian soil,” said Judy Molnar, Vice President of Iron Girl. “The Iron Girl event experience provides women with the perfect platform for first timers and experienced athletes to reach their personal bests. Whether your first event or 100th, there is a place for all women at Iron Girl. Iron Girl provides an opportunity for women to be part of something special that supports their personal pursuits of a healthy, active lifestyle.”

Additionally, Iron Girl Canada has partnered with Degree^® as the title sponsor and Shoppers Drug Mart^TM as the presenting sponsor of this inaugural event. Degree^® is a longtime supporter of IRONMAN and this all-women’s landmark event is a perfect opportunity for the anti-perspirant brand.

“Degree Women^® is proud to be the title sponsor of the very first Iron Girl Canada,” said Sharon MacLeod, Vice President of Marketing, Unilever Canada. “The Degree^® brand celebrates those who push their limits and challenge themselves to do more, and this attitude is reflected in all of the amazing athletes who participate in the Iron Girl triathlon.”

Further elevating this race to “must-do” status, Degree^® Iron Girl Canada presented by Shoppers Drug Mart will offer a charitable component by partnering with the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation (CBCF) as the exclusive charity. The athletes will be able to sign up on line and collect pledges for CBCF.

According to the World Cancer Research Fund one-third of breast cancers are preventable through diet, maintaining a healthier body weight and regular physical activity. Research undertaken by CBCF shows that women don’t know breast cancer risk can be reduced and that there are steps they can take to improve their breast health.

“In recent years, breast cancer mortality rates have decreased, yet incidence rates for Canadian women have remained the same,” said Sandra Palmaro, CEO, Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation – Ontario Region. “You can reduce your risk of breast cancer by living well. And participating in the Iron Girl Women’s Triathlon is a step in the right direction.”

“Having raced for 20 years in Ontario, I am proud to be part of the first ever Iron Girl triathlon in Canada and in my backyard,” said Lisa Bentley, 11-time IRONMAN^® Champion. “Sport has empowered me and has been my joy for half of my life and I want other women and girls to experience that same empowerment. Sport is for life and it is a lifestyle that will start with Iron Girl Canada this summer!”

Race registration will open at 12 p.m. on Thursday, March 21, 2013.

To register or learn more about Degree^® Iron Girl^® Canada presented by Shoppers Drug Mart^TM, visit www.irongirl.com/events/canada.

For questions about the event, contact canadatri@irongirl.com.