News Story * Triathlon

Women’s Triathlon Mentor Program a Huge Success

 Mentor Program helps over 650 women prepare
for the Ameriprise Financial SheROX Philadelphia.
 

PHILADELPHIA, Pa., July 26, 2007 – When the organizers of the Ameriprise Financial SheROX Philadelphia Triathlon decided to design a premier race experience specifically for women, they created a committee of female triathletes, from beginners to professionals. Based upon recommendations from that group, a free Mentor Program was created as one of the key benefits made available to anyone who signed up for the race.

“When we created the Mentor Program, we thought it would be something that would appeal primarily to women who had never done a triathlon. We thought about 40% of the registrants would sign up for the program. Little did we realize how popular the program would be, and how many female triathletes were hungry for information and support,” said Erin Savarese, Head Mentor. Over 72% of those who registered for the race asked to be part of the program.

The Mentor Program was not designed to provide participants with training or coaching, but to help women feel comfortable about what to expect during training and on race day. Race organizers hand picked a group of 36 experienced, enthusiastic, compassionate female triathletes who committed to providing ongoing support to their mentees. In addition to sending an e-newsletter every other week beginning in May, mentors answer questions via e-mail and proactively send regular tips and suggestions to address participant needs and concerns. Mentors organized training sessions, informational meetings and social get-togethers. Race sponsor Bryn Mawr Running Company hosted jog bra and sneaker fitting nights, and High Road Cycles hosted flat-fixing and open-water swim clinics for mentees.

“The purpose of the Mentor Program is to ensure that participants have a positive event experience, from the time they start training until they cross the finish line on race day. We want every Ameriprise Financial SheROX Philadelphia Triathlon participant to feel a sense of personal satisfaction, accomplishment and empowerment about their race experience,” said Race Director Barb McKeever.

The Ameriprise Financial SheROX Philadelphia Triathlon is produced by Philadelphia Triathlon, LLC, organizers of the highly acclaimed Philadelphia Insurance Triathlon in Fairmount Park. The race includes a .8K (.5 mile) swim, 25K (15.5 mile) bike and a 5K (3.1 mile) run. There will be a pre-race Women’s Fitness & Health Expo on Saturday, August 4 at Lloyd Hall, One Boathouse Row in Philadelphia featuring women’s health and fitness exhibitors along with triathlon-related activities. Online registration for the Ameriprise Financial SheROX Philadelphia Triathlon will remain open until Sunday, July 29 at midnight. Women can also register in person at the Expo.

Race organizers are committed to putting on a first-class, high-quality event that is unlike any other triathlon. In addition to the Mentor Program, registrants can take advantage of free training plans emailed to them on a daily basis and a unique piece of jewelry designed specifically for all Ameriprise Financial SheROX Philadelphia Triathlon finishers. The Ameriprise Financial SheROX Philadelphia Triathlon is the first in a series of SheROX triathlons to roll out in key markets over the next couple of years.

A portion of the proceeds from the Ameriprise Financial SheROX Philadelphia Triathlon will be donated to the Teal Ribbon Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation. TROCRF was organized exclusively for charitable and scientific purposes, with the goal of raising funds to advance ovarian cancer research towards a cure, advocating for early diagnostic treatment programs and to improve the lives of ovarian cancer survivors.

For more information and to access registration for the Ameriprise Financial SheROX Philadelphia Triathlon, please visit www.sheroxtri.com.

About the Ameriprise Financial SheROX Philadelphia Triathlon

This is the first year of the Ameriprise Financial SheROX Philadelphia Triathlon which is held in the city's historic Fairmount Park, in and around the Schuylkill River and the Philadelphia Museum of Art. The race will raise money for the Teal Ribbon Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation and for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society through its Team In Training program. In addition to Ameriprise Financial, other sponsors include Lincoln Mercury, Nathan Human Propulsion Laboratories, Bryn Mawr Running Company, Le Bus, Zoot Sports, Boundless Philadelphia, GlaxoSmithKline Oncology, Elite Bicycles, High Road Cycles, Philadelphia Inquirer, REI, Great Harvest Bread Company, and City Sports.  The race is sanctioned by USA Triathlon.  More information about the Ameriprise Financial SheROX Philadelphia Triathlon can be found by visiting www.SheROXtri.com or by contacting pr@sheroxtri.com.

Ameriprise Financial, Inc. is a leading financial planning and services company with more than 12,000 financial advisors and registered representatives that provides solutions for clients’ asset accumulation, income management and insurance protection needs. The Company’s financial advisors deliver tailored solutions to clients through a comprehensive and personalized financial planning approach built on a long-term relationship with a knowledgeable advisor. The Company specializes in meeting the retirement-related financial needs of the mass affluent and affluent. Financial advisory services and investments are available through Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. Member NASD and SIPC. For more information, visit ameriprise.com. 

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