On November 5 at IRONMAN Florida, Susan Haag became the first woman to complete 100 full distance (140.6 miles) triathlons. This event is a single-day endurance event comprised of a 2.4-mile swim, followed by a 112-mile bike ride, and then a 26.2-mile marathon run through Panama City Beach, Florida and its surrounding areas.
“So many people were stopping me and friends were running alongside me saying, ‘This woman is doing her 100th! This woman is doing her 100th!’ It’s made it special because everyone knew the significance of the race,” Susan told the Florida Times-Union after the race.
Haag competed in IRONMAN Florida as a member of the Children’s Tumor Foundation NF Endurance team, a national fundraising program of the Children’s Tumor Foundation that supports NF research, raises awareness, and provides opportunities for athletes to race in honor of an NF Hero. Susan’s NF Hero was an eight year old named Clara who was diagnosed with neurofibromatosis as a toddler.
During the race, Susan paused to read a letter from Clara and her family. “Clara isn’t just a ‘hero’ to these athletes – these athletes are heroes to us, too,” said Katherine, Clara’s mother. “And the best part is that we aren’t just connected for the event, we gain friends for life!”
Clara and her family, together with other local families and NF Heroes, showed up to cheer and support Susan before the race.
After the race, Susan presented Clara with her 100th medal.
In the last three years, through CTF’s partnership with IRONMAN, more than $1.7 million dollars has been raised for NF research.
