Courtesy: event press release

Iron Girl Texas Triathlon Photo Gallery

Texas' own Desiree Ficker placed first at the RYKA Iron Girl Texas Triathlon on July 23 in Irving. Ficker, a top finisher on the Ironman circuit, crossed the finish line with a time of 1:02:23. While Ficker dominated the event, more than 580 women of all ages and fitness levels participated in the inaugural event that took women on a 500 meter swim, 20K bike and 5K run through scenic Las Colinas. In fact, the participants ran alongside the world famous Las Colinas Stallions sculpture.

The event drew women from more than 15 states around the U.S. including Texas, Florida, Georgia, Minnesota, Arizona, Illinois and Colorado. The city of Irving greeted the event and the field with Texas-sized hospitality, with Mayor Herbert Gears kicking off the event and Irving's Convention & Visitors Bureau providing volunteers throughout the event weekend.

At the finish line with a smile from ear to ear, Ficker said, "I really enjoyed the race. To be racing among all women and to see how supportive they were with each other was truly incredible. The support I received on the course made this a great experience."

The other Armstrong in Texas, local amateur Shanna Armstrong had a solid performance with a finish time of 1:14:41. Lisa Panchasarp, 24, of Dallas added another triathlon to her growing list with a finish time of 1:29:30.

To create a unique experience for all women, Iron Girl included amenities for all finishers such as complimentary performance shirts sized just for women, finishers medals and customized race bibs. Triathlon event veterans Mike and Marti Greer, who worked with the teams from RYKA and Iron Girl on the event, added their own personal touches with custom age group awards. A portion of event proceeds will be donated to a local charitable organization, Brighter Tomorrows.