Sunday, August 27, Desiree Ficker[in photo], world- renowned Ironman athlete, will join more than 1,850 decorated athletes and first- timers at the 2006 RYKA Iron Girl Columbia Triathlon. In addition to Ficker, recognizable athletes Alicia Weber and Margaret Shapiro, the 2006 Columbia Triathlon Champion, will also be racing toward a top finish and a prize purse of nearly $5,000. Participants range in age from 14-years-old to 76-years- old and include inspirational amateur athletes Madelaine Sayko, survivor of the September 11 th World Trade Center tragedy and Candace Patterson, neurofibromatosis survivor who has undergone multiple surgeries to remove life threatening facial tumors. The event at Centennial Lake and Park in Ellicott City, MD will feature a 1K swim, 30K bike, and 5K run. All proceeds from the RYKA Iron Girl Columbia Triathlon, the fourth event in the 2006 RYKA Iron Girl National Women's Event Series, will benefit the Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults. Based out of Columbia, MD, the Ulman Cancer Fund provides support, education, and resources to benefit young adults affected by cancer, as well as their families and friends. The 2006 RYKA Iron Girl National Women's Event Series has already raised more than $25,000 for the Ulman Cancer Fund.

For more information on this weekend's RYKA Iron Girl Columbia Triathlon, contact Jessica Weidensall or call (813) 918-3849.