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 -
Get the ultimate guide to destination racing

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
tri-fit vortex tri suit review
TRI-FIT VORTEX tri suit review – race day approved performance
Maja Stage Nielsen Kat Matthews Jocelyn McCauley IRONMAN Texas 2023 podium photo credit IRONMAN
PremiumRacing to keep up: Is social media making us train harder?
Cadomotus chronos aero triathlon cycling shoes
The triathlon cycling shoe that promises a 10-watt saving: Cadomotus Chronos Aero triathlon cycling shoes review
Wahoo ELEMNT RIVAL
PremiumTraining to heart rate vs power on the bike
Caroline Pohle Lena Meissner ironman 703 jonkoping sprint 2025
PremiumHow to pace a triathlon to leave it all out there WITHOUT blowing up
latest News
Alex Yee Cassandre Beaugrand gold medals supertri Boston photo credit supertri
WTCS French Riviera 2025: Date, start times and how to watch Yee and Beaugrand in races of the season so far
Georgia Taylor Brown T100 London 2025 bike
Olympic superstar GTB looking to learn from London at T100 French Riviera
Hayden Wilde wins T100 London 2025
T100 French Riviera 2025: Date, start time, who’s racing and how to watch live
Jeanne Lehair Georgia Taylor Brown Fanni Szalai Supertri Chicago
Supertri Chicago 2025 women’s results: Lehair holds off Olympic star Taylor-Brown
Alberto Gonzalez Garcia wins Supertri Chicago
Supertri Chicago 2025 men’s results: Speedy Gonzalez Garcia STUNS the big names
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

TRI247-LOGO_Primary-Black_RGB-1

CHOOSE YOUR MEMBERSHIP TO BECOME PART OF SOMETHING EPIC

We’re on a mission to elevate the world of endurance sport, becoming your go-to resource for expert training tips and inspiration, unbiased reporting and creating a platform for grassroots voices. But we can’t do it without you on board! Choose a TRI247+ membership option below and become part of something epic.

All plans include a 7-day free trial

£7.95/month

Unlimited access. No ads. A whole library of tips, advice and inspiration at your finger tips, and the chance to shape the future of triathlon journalism.

100+ new articles/month

You’ll also gain access to our other premium websites:

Have an account? Sign in

All plans include a 7-day free trial

£47.95/year
£95.40/year

50% Discount

100+ new articles/month

Unlimited access. No ads. A whole library of tips, advice and inspiration at your finger tips, and the chance to shape the future of triathlon journalism.

You’ll also gain access to our other premium websites:

Have an account? Sign in

Share to...