Search
shop

The ‘Beast from the East’… wins IRONMAN New Zealand**

While the 'Beast from the East' wind was cancelling races in the UK, the 'original' athlete of that moniker, Ken Glah, was doing what he's done for years in Taupo
Chief Correspondent
Last updated -
Redefining Triathlon For Every Athlete

Advertisement

Congratulations to the legend that is Ken Glah!

(** Age-Group 55-59)

If you are relatively new to the sport (as in, ‘only’ been around 15 years or so…!), then the name Ken Glah may not be one you are familiar with. Thankfully, old people like me can help fill you in on some history…

One of the ‘original’ IRONMAN Pro’s back in the day, Ken won multiple IRONMAN races (Brazil three times, New Zealand twice, Canada), and was involved in what was surely the closest finish in IRONMAN history in 1990 – ironically, also at IRONMAN New Zealand, just losing out that day to Finland’s Pauli Kiuri:

Ken also excelled at the IRONMAN World Championship in Kona, finishing in the top-10 a total TEN times between 1986 and 2000, with a best of third in 1988. He clocked a rapid 8:24:01 way back in 1993, finishing fourth that year.

Ken is still heavily involved in the sport, travelling the world and running his Endurance Sports Travel business (www.endurancesportstravel.com), and I got to know Ken in Kona last year as a client of his – and he cooks awesome breakfast pancakes!

This past weekend Ken (now in the 55-59 category), raced again at IRONMAN New Zealand (for the 21st time) – and won the division by almost 23 minutes, finishing in 10:11:46.

The result? He has now qualified to race his 35th consecutive IRONMAN World Championship in Hawaii.

If you are going to Kona and want an all-inclusive package from somebody that knows that place and race better than anyone, Ken is the man you need to speak too. Congratulations on keeping that incredible streak going.

John Levison
Written by
John Levison
TRI247's Chief Correspondent, John has been involved in triathlon for well over 30 years, 15 of those writing on these pages, whilst he can also be found commentating for events across the UK.
Discover more
Ironman gear guide – everything you need to get to the finish line of a full distance triathlon
What is Heart Rate Variability? How triathletes can use HRV to optimise their training
On Cloudmonster Hyper running shoes
On Cloudmonster Hyper running shoes review – worth the hype?
sports supplements for endurance athletes
Sports nutrition supplements – which supplements are actually worth taking?
Challenge Sanremo 2024 - Photo: Jose Luis Hourcade
How to fuel your triathlon training: Expert nutritionist tips to help you nail every session
latest News
Hayden Wilde Alex Yee Olympic Games Triathlon Paris 2024
Olympic triathlon champion Alex Yee admits he could have been “lost” without London Marathon bid
Lucy Charles Barclay wins 2023 IRONMAN World Championship photo credit Getty Images for IRONMAN
Triathlon superstar Lucy Charles-Barclay goes back to where it all started for next Ironman challenge
Katie Zaferes Olympic Games Triathlon Tokyo 2021 Bronze Medal US Triathlon
Katie Zaferes talks toxicity, keeping it simple and going from World Champion to coach
Kristian Blummenfelt IRONMAN Frankfurt celebration 2024 Photo credit: Jan Hetfleisch/Getty Images for IRONMAN
FOMO gets Blummenfelt back on track as he looks ahead to IRONMAN Texas showdown
Patrick Lange IRONMAN World Championship 2024 Kona run photo credit Getty Images for IRONMAN
IRONMAN World Champ Patrick Lange’s Texas title defence in the balance
triathlon on your terms
Never miss out with our triathlon alerts & digest. Get a dose of adventure & inspiration with Boundless.
The 247 Group

The home of endurance sports

Share to...