Morris Co. Woman, 80, Sets Record In Ironman Triathlon

MORRIS COUNTY, NJ — A Morris County woman, 80 years young, has become the oldest woman ever to finish the Ironman World Championship triathlon.

Natalie Grabow, of Mountain Lakes, finished the triathlon with a time of 16 hours, 45 minutes, and 26 seconds on Sunday.

Grabow is now the oldest woman to ever complete the 47-year-old athletic exhibition. The record was previously held by 78-year-old Cherie Gruenfeld, who greeted Grabow at the finish line.

The Ironman World Championship triathlon, held annually in Kona, Hawaii, is a long-distance, single-day endurance race consisting of a 2.4-mile swim, a 112-mile bicycle ride, and a 26.2-mile run, totaling 140.6 miles.

The record-setter told Business Insider that she only began competitively running in her forties, and didn’t even know how to swim until she was 59 years old.

"It was exhausting — and exhilarating,” she told Business Insider. “Swimming the 2.4 miles wasn't my greatest strength. Thankfully, it is the first stage of the triathlon, so you're not too tired. I enjoy the 112-mile bike ride, but the 26.2-mile marathon is the most challenging part.”

Video captures Grabow stumbling as she approaches the grueling race’s finish line, but she soon picks herself up to complete the race.

“Absolutely incredible,” an announcer says moments after Grabow crosses the finish line.

“Congratulations, Natalie, you really are the definition of resilience,” another announcer said.