one day away

Get your virtual paddles ready. The live auction birthday fundraiser to celebrate Sr. Madonna Buder’s 90th birthday begins tomorrow! Starting at 11:00am, Sr. Madonna’s very own racing items will be up for auction, with 100% of the proceeds benefiting local non-profits.

Sr. Madonna Buder, known as the “Iron Nun” has competed in more than 340 triathlons and 45 full Ironman’s all while serving as a member of the Sisters for Christian Community for over 67 years. Sr. Madonna began to receive national attention for her accomplishments and her fame only grew when she was featured as the first athlete in the Nike “Unlimited Youth” ad campaign, which aired during the 2016 Olympics. To celebrate her 90th birthday, the Iron Nun has decided to generously auction off her racing paraphernalia to raise money for great local causes.

To help you sort through the decades worth of racing memorabilia, we have listed some of our favorite auction item picks for everyone from the committed cyclist to Bloomsday’s biggest fan.

for the committed cyclists

The Cannondale Bike given to the Iron Nun for earning “the Spirit of Determination Award” during the 2006 Hawaiian Ironman is the largest item up for auction and is likely to start a bidding war. We recommend logging on to the auction site early to try to snag this bike which was also used for the NIKE commercial during the 2016 Olympics.

#70 Mavic elite wheels with black carrying case would be the perfect upgrade to your own bike.

This sleek Ironman Backpack which comes with a Sr. Madonna luggage tag will carry all of your essentials during a ride. Also included in this auction item: a 2005 World Championship Kona, HI t-shirt + medal

for the record breakers

This 2001 CDA Triathlon cap + "Practically-New Performed" Brooks Shoes would be an easy upgrade to your running game.

This Zoot cap + the "Practically-New Performed" Zoot Shoes make the cutest matching set.

The modern 2018 Blue Tri Turtle Triathlon hat and this vintage-looking pair of "Well Performed" Nike Zoom Air Shoes are perfect for those who love the look of new and old.

for the history makers

Sister Madonna’s 2013 Boston Marathon Long Sleeve Jersey and Medal acquired despite the Boston bombing serve as a testament to the Iron Nun’s determination and spirit.

2001 Ironman Kona, HI + medal. At the 2005 Hawaii Ironman, the Iron Nun would go on to become the oldest woman ever to complete the race at age 75.

The quote on the "Sr. Madonna: I Do Not Run Aimlessly" t-shirt is a reminder of the legacy that Sr. Madonna has left on the sport. Also included in this auction item: 2013 St. Anthony's Tri + St. Anthony's 5150 Series + 1996 St. Anthony's tees

for those who love the vintage look

This pack of shirts from the 1994 Columbia Triathlon Columbia, MD + 1998 Ironman Qualifier - Gulf Coast Panama City Beach, FL + 1997 Lake Pleasant Triathlon make the perfect vintage graphic tees.

These shirts from the 2003 Ironman Canada + 1999 USA Triathlon FIA World Championship Qualifier + 1999 Dannon Duathlon Huntersville, NC World Championship could be paired with any outfit.

The vibrant hues of these shirts from the 1994 Rocky Mt. Triathlon Wasa Lake + 1999 Valley of Sun Yakima, WA Triathlon + 1995 Tiger Triathlon Lolville Rec. Dept. are the best reminder of the 90s.

for Bloomsday’s biggest fans

1986 + 1987 Bloomsday Spokane, WA

1990 + 1991 Bloomsday Spokane, WA

1993 Bloomsday Spokane, WA 1 Volunteer + 1 Finisher

Finish your collection of Bloomsday finisher shirts with these finisher and volunteer tees.

for the adventurous:

Grab Bag" T-Shirts allow you to take home a piece of Sr. Madonna's legacy for a fraction of the cost! For only $5, we will pick out a shirt from her collection of "very-well performed" race gear.

If you are not in the Spokane area, you can still shop the auction! Make sure to purchase the item titled, “Optional Shipping” and we will ship your auction items to you.

With over 100 items, the auction catalog does not disappoint. Please peruse the items and bid generously as with each purchase you will be supporting SNAP, Family Promise Spokane, Nazareth Guild and Catholic Charities Eastern Washington. You will also be helping to recognize the life of service and dedication Sister Madonna has embodied.