Mighty women cross the finish line of the 2023 Mighty Mujer Triathlon

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) - Women from across the borderland pushed their physical limits in the Might Mujer Triathlon at Memorial Park Saturday.

Hundreds participated in the race that began with a 300 yard swim, followed by a bike and run course.

The most challenging part of the course for some of the Mighty Mujer...the pool.

“The swim, because I barely do it! So yeah, its just not my thing!”

“The swim and bike felt tough in a couple of spots, but mostly really fun!”

“For me its always the cycling! The hills are always overwhelming.”

The event was also virtual, women could use a stationery bike or treadmill.

Women athletes trained for months before the race and agreed it was all about the energy of the other participants.

Liz Parson said, “I think the environment is just a lot of positivity and energy, versus a standard triathlon, so its super super fun and empowering.”

Gabriel Gallegos founded the Mighty Mujer in 2012 after seeing an imbalance in gender participation in races.

She says the triathlon empowers women.

“I’m so proud of them! For so many women, some grew up doing sports, some of them didn’t, some started doing their first at 60, some at 12, so we’ve got such a big range, and its the kind of thing so many people can feel proud of when they cross that finish line.” said Gallegos.

Some of the participants run in the triathlon in honor of those who are not physically able to run.

“I’m doing it for a friend who is facing physical challenges, and illness, and I wish she was here," said Crystal, a Mighty Mujer. "And I’m doing it for her.”

Preliminary results show Nina Mutschke, Anna-Maria Dohrmann, and Ana Gonzalez as the top three finishers.