Canadian Elizabeth Model becomes first woman to complete every Ironman race in the world

Surrey, B.C.’s Elizabeth Model has made triathlon history as the first woman in the world to have finished all 40 plus Ironman triathlon competitions — and when counting repeats and races that are no longer on the circuit, a total of 75 full distance Ironmans.

Model joins an elite group of athletes includes just three other men who have completed all 40+ Ironman competitions in the world. The group will be competing in the new Ironman North Carolina this weekend and hope to all cross the finish line together. In addition, they are all also registered for the new Ironman Hamburg in 2017.

Before her most recent Ironman, Model says she received a note from the voice of Ironman, Mike Reilly wishing her luck. It read, “The best of luck to you this weekend in Maryland, sure wish I could be there to bring you in but on my way to Kona. It is so great you will be joining those three crazy guys with your finish.”

Elizabeth Model’s husband, John Wragg, was featured in TMC in November, 2015 for his outstanding accomplishment of successfully completing 200 Ironman races.

In addition to her Ironman racing, Model is also just one marathon shy of completing 100. She began her endurance racing at the age of 46.

“Being the first woman in history to complete every Ironman is something I will be forever proud of,” says Model. “Since 2006, I have had my mind set on reaching this goal. After suffering a serious skiing accident last December, I had to keep the goal in clear focus during the recovery process, but was able to overcome the setbacks in order to finish this year and join the elite Ironman finishers club.”

Model says she is up at 4:45 AM every morning in order to train, all before her work day starts.