April 28, 2013
Believe in your strength
Begin your journey
Become an Iron Girl
All Women's 1/2 Marathon
Coed 5K
Columbia Town Center, Columbia, MD
NEW COURSE MAP IS POSTED UNDER KEY RACE INFO
The Athleta Iron Girl Columbia 1/2 Marathon on April 28, 2013 takes place in scenic Howard County. This event will start and finish in Columbia Town Center adjacent to the 
Columbia Mall in the Athleta Iron Girl Columbia Half Marathon Celebration Village located in the parking lot located adjacent to the Medstar Health Building and just NW of the Sheraton Columbia Town Center Hotel. In it's first year, and following in the tradition of the Iron Girl Columbia Triathlon, The Athleta Iron Girl Columbia 1/2 Marathon was named the Best Woman's Event by Competitor Magazine!
Now in its second year, the Iron Girl Half Marthon is an inspirational all women's event that is about empowering women toward a healthy lifestyle, and celebrating women's unique grace as they journey toward the finish line. Join other women on the quest to live better and challenge yourself to be the best that you can be!
Produced to benefit the Claudia Mayer Cancer Resource Center, Howard County General Hospital's resource to assist those living and coping with cancer, the Athleta Iron Girl Columbia 1/2 Marathon & 5K, seeks to raise money and awareness for this amazing facility.
Under Armour Pacers
The Under Armour Pacers will be leading runners who wish to complete the Athleta Iron Girl Half Marathon in a certain time frame. Pace groups will be lead to finish at 9 different time frames; 1:45 (approx. 8 min/mile pace), 1:50 (approx. 8:30 min/mile pace), 2:00 (approx. 9 min/mile pace), 2:05 (approx. 9:30 min/mile pace), 2:10 (approx. 10 min/mile pace), 2:20 (approx 10:30 min/mile pace), 2:25 (approx. 11:00 min/mile pace), 2:30 (approx. 11:30 min/mile pace) and 2:35 (approx. 12:00 min/mile pace).
Thanks to all the volunteer lead runners for their capable assistance. Be sure to look for corral signs at the start area and self-select a pace group.
Be A 2013 “Iron Girl Triple Crown” Finisher!
Show your fans and yourself just how strong and empowered you are!
Continue your journey, and be part of the first ever Iron Girl Series, “The Iron Girl Triple Crown!"
Series events are:
Finish ALL three events, and you will earn the coveted title of “Iron Girl Triple Crown Finisher” Yours to keep will be a special 2013 Iron Girl Triple Crown medal and exclusive bragging rights!
Plus all Triple Crown Iron Girls will receive a unique Triple Crown Gift mailed to them after completion of the last event!
Take The Second Annual 2013 "Titanium Girl" Challenge
The Athleta Iron Girl Columbia ½ Marathon and the Frederick Running Festival have teamed up once again to offer women the ultimate endurance test. Finish both half marathons in the span of one week and you will earn the prestigious title of Titanium Girl 2013! Yours to keep will be an awesome 2013 Titanium Girl medal and exclusive bragging rights!
About Joan Benoit Samuelson
Joan Benoit Samuelson, the first Olympic Gold Medalist in the Women's Marathon, helped us kick off the first Iron Girl Columbia 1/2 Marathon and 5K in 2012. She is an icon in the sport of running, blazing the way as a pioneer for women. She received All-American honors in cross-country and track, and won the Boston Marathon in 1979, setting an American and course record, all before she graduated from college. Samuelson won the Boston Marathon again in 1983, this time breaking the world record. One year later, at the age of 27, she won the gold medal in the first women’s marathon at the Los Angeles Olympics. In 1985, Samuelson won the Chicago Marathon with an American record time of 2:21:21.
But running isn't the only way that Joan has been a role model to women. She has given back to her community on many levels. Her passion for women's health and fitness, the environment and youth development have distinguished Joan among her colleagues, every bit as much as her incredible running career that continues to flourish. She is thrilled to have been part of this event that not only challenges women to be the best that they can be, but also forwards the mission of the Claudia Mayer Cancer Resource Center. Joan shows us all that the sky is the limit and that we can all accomplish great things with determination, resolve and grace.
Click HERE to listen to Joan Benoit Samuelson's recent interview with Mix 106.5 radio personality and Athleta Iron Girl 1/2 Marathon trainee, Maria Dennis.
There is No Finish Line from erich lyttle on Vimeo.
Share Your Personal Story?
Often participants become involved in endurance events as a way to overcome an obstacle, cope with a loss, provide a role model, forward a cause, or as a way to change their lives for the better. Why did you become involved? Where do you find your strength to compete? Do you race for a cause? How has your participation in endurance events changed your life? If you would like to share your story and inspire others, please send us an email with your inspirational story. We want to hear from you!
Need Training Help?
Download your training guide here
Athleta and Iron Girl have collaborated to create an easy-to-follow training guide for 5k, 10k and half marathon runs along with sprint and intermediate distance triathlons. Each training plan features a daily workout schedule, plus we include nutrition recommendations, a packing list, and a heart rate training guide. You can also pick up your FREE spiral bound copy at any Atheta store.
How to Prep for a Marathon - ProTip from Joan Benoit Samuelson
How to Train While Traveling - ProTip from Joan Benoit Samuelson
Nutrition with Joan Benoit Samuelson - ProTip
This IRON GIRL® Event is licensed by World Triathlon Corporation and the IRON GIRL® trademarks are used by permission of the World Triathlon Corporation.
"I just wanted to thank you again for all of your help out at Iron Girl. That was one of the best races I've done all season and I'm really looking forward to doing more TriColumbia races next year. I think I've told everyone I've talked to about how beautiful it was out there. Also, just the atmosphere and support of the race was so encouraging."
~ Kristin Peterson, Professional Triathlete
"The support along the way from spectators and athletes alike was unbelievable."
~ Renee P., Age Group Athlete
"I love participating in TriColumbia events. The races are executed perfectly, the courses are some of the most beautiful and challenging I have seen, and best of all, I love the fact that they are a non-profit, working to make our community better for people in need. TriColumbia really makes a difference. When setting up my race calendar, I always choose TriColumbia first!"
~ Robin D., Age Group Athlete
"The Iron Girl Series is fantastic!
~ Mari Kay, Age Group Athlete
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