Zbîrnea Natalia

About

Natalia Zbîrnea, born on January 11, 1990, in Chișinău, is one of the most remarkable endurance athletes in the Republic of Moldova, specializing in ultra-running, trail running, and triathlon. She won the national triathlon championship title in 2026, completing the Olympic distance in 2 hours, 43 minutes, and 24 seconds, demonstrating her exceptional stamina in swimming, cycling, and running. Throughout her career, she has set national records, such as the six-hour race record with nearly 70 km covered, and has achieved overall female victories in competitions like Transylvania 100k (2019), where she finished first over a distance of approximately 74 km in the Bucegi Mountains, or DaraUltraSkyrace (2023). She has represented Moldova and Romania in numerous international events, collaborating with clubs such as CSU Știința București and Triathlon Club Granat. Among her notable achievements are participations in UTMB World Series races, such as Lavaredo Ultra Trail (120 km in 2025) or Julian Alps Trail Run, as well as 24-hour ultramarathons where she accumulated over 185 km. As a triathlon coach, she promotes endurance sports in the country, participating in national ultramarathon championships and inspiring generations through her long-distance performances, including Self-Transcendence 24h-Lauf Chișinău and Romanian Ultra Championship. Although the details of her personal life remain private, Natalia Zbîrnea is recognized for her total dedication to sports, being the first Moldovan woman to participate in the U.S. Department of State's Global Sports Mentoring Program. Her residence in Chisinau allows her to remain anchored in the local sports community, where she combines her own training with her role as a mentor, promoting running as an activity accessible to anyone, adapted to every fitness level. Her continued performances position her as a role model for women in Moldova in the field of endurance sports.