Posted: February, 2006

Multisport: RYKA To Sponsor National Iron Girl Event Series in 2006

February 16, 2006 – RYKA, a global footwear and apparel company made especially for women has signed a multi-year agreement and will serve as title sponsor for the Iron Girl Event Series. The Series has grown to include eight Iron Girl events in 2006, in locations such as Florida, Colorado, Arizona and Texas. RYKA will support the partnership through a six-figure cash and product package. The agreement will also leverage RYKA’s relationship with Lady Foot Locker nationwide.

RYKA makes a full line of walking, running, cross training, studio shoes and apparel that are designed for a woman’s unique shape. Their footwear line incorporates a wider forefoot and narrower heel, made specifically for the female foot. Benefits for all participants will include pre-race nutrition clinics at Lady Foot Locker, RYKA performance shirts, shoe fits at each event and coupons for new RYKA performance shoes.

“By sharing the same mission, for women to embrace a healthy lifestyle, we believe the partnership with Iron Girl is a perfect fit for us,” says RYKA Marketing Manager, Katie Clifford.

Launched in 2004, Iron Girl has established itself as the premier all-women’s event series catering to women of all ages and fitness levels. To meet the demands of the evolving female athlete, Iron Girl now offers a variety of running, duathlon and triathlon events. The goal of this brand is to support women through participation in events.

The Vice President of Iron Girl, Judy Molnar says, “Iron Girl provides women with a competitive platform; one that showcases seasoned athletes and novices alike. We’re excited to share our passion with RYKA and look forward to bringing more to our Iron Girl athletes, from start to finish.”

Events on the 2006 RYKA Iron Girl Calendar include:

July 9 – Boston, MA - 10K/5K Event 
July 23 – Irving, TX - Triathlon (500M swim, 20K Bike and 5K Run) 
August 6 – Denver, CO – 5-Mile and 5K Event 
August 27 – Columbia, MD - Triathlon (1K Swim, 30K Bike and 5K Run) 
September 10 – Seattle, WA – 10K/5K Event 
September 24 – Bloomington, MN – Duathlon (2 Mile Run, 22 Mile Bike and 2 Mile Run) 
September 30 – Clearwater, FL – 10K/5K Event 
December 2 – Tempe, AZ – 10-Mile and 5K Event 

About RYKA
RYKA is a footwear and apparel company for the woman who celebrates fitness as an essential part of a happier, healthier lifestyle. RYKA is committed to providing exciting race opportunities for women of all fitness levels. RYKA is based in Irvine, CA and is a division of American Sporting Goods.

About Iron Girl
Iron Girl, an all-women’s event based brand offers women an interactive Web site, www.IronGirl.com, with resources including training tips, message boards and nutrition information. These resources are aimed to help women achieve their goals of being fit and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Team Iron Girl serves as an Online community that gives women the opportunity to communicate with and support one another through success stories and monthly newsletters.

For more information on Iron Girl, contact Iron Girl PR Director, Blair LaHaye at 727-942-4767 x207 or at blair@irongirl.com or Iron Girl PR Coordinator, Jessica Weidensall at 727-942-4767 x233 or Jessica@irongirl.com.