Search
shop

World Champion Anne Haug reveals how an Age Grouper and salty pretzels SAVED her brutal first Ironman triathlon

German great recalls the pain of that first ever race in Frankfurt, and what got her through to the finish.
Editor-In-Chief
Last updated -

Anne Haug is one of the greatest ever long-course triathletes – quite simply an incredible talent. But she, like many others, started the hard way when it comes to racing over the Ironman distance.

The brilliant 41-year-old German has won pretty much every prize the sport has to offer – topped of course by that IRONMAN World Championship victory at Kona in 2019. She also now holds the fastest ever time for the full distance after a jaw-dropping 8:02:38 at Challenge Roth last month.

But back in the day, when Haug was just starting out in full-distance racing, she felt the pain that so many others have before and since. Notably on her debut at IRONMAN Frankfurt back in 2018.

Haug recounted her first experience over 140.6miles on the eve of the 2024 race on Sunday – which boasts a stellar men’s pro field headed by Kristian Blummenfelt and Patrick Lange, and a huge Age Group turnout.

Advertisement

Anne Haug on Ironman debut

Writing in a post on her Instagram account, she said: “What a different kind of pain compared to ITU @worldtriathlon racing. 6 years ago I did my first @ironmantri race @ironman_germany Frankfurt with no idea of what to expect.

“At km 41 i wanted to lay down and just sleep, cause I thought it’s impossible to finish. An agegrouper came to me and convinced me to get up again, walk to the next aid station, eat as much salty pretzels as possible and bring it home. Thanks so much for this survival advice, I will never forget in my life!

“Wish everyone an amazing race, a lot of salty pretzels if necessary and a unforgettable finish line experience. It’s worth all the suffer.”

Haug would eventually finish fourth in the women’s pro race that day back in 2018, clocking a finish time of 9:14:06. More than one hour slower than that unbelievable effort in Roth in 2024. That painful run meanwhile was a 3:04:32 – a far cry from the sort of times she produces today. Her marathon in Roth was an astounding 2:38:52.

Anne Haug wins Challenge Roth 2024 [Photo credit: Simon Fischer | Challenge Roth]
Anne Haug celebrates an historic win at Challenge Roth in 2024 [Photo credit: Simon Fischer | Challenge Roth]

Another World Championship bid

Haug has been in sensational form in 2024 over the full distance. Before Roth she had won IRONMAN Lanzarote by more than 40 minutes back in May, setting a new course record in the process.

The big target now for the German great is the 2024 IRONMAN World Championship which takes place in Nice, France on September 22.

Haug gained some experience on the course when given a special entry to compete in the Age Group race at IRONMAN 70.3 Nice in June. She finished in a time of 4:38:44 and clocked a terrific half-marathon time of 1:13:48.

Graham Shaw
Written by
Graham Shaw
Graham has been involved with TRI247 & RUN247 since the summer of 2021. Since then he has provided strategic direction for all news and is passionate about the growth of triathlon as a fan sport.
Discover more
Challenge Family Kaiserwinkle-Walchsee triathlon bike
The ultimate triathlon bike courses to ride before you die
TRI247 Wahoo KICKR RUN treadmill review
Wahoo KICKR RUN treadmill review – can Wahoo do for treadmill running what they did for indoor cycling?
Challenge Cesenatico 2024 debut - image credit Jose Luis Hourcade / Challenge Family
5 ways to improve your FTP – Expert tips to level up your cycling
Challenge The Championship Marjolaine Pieree
How to qualify for Challenge The Championship – and why it should be on your triathlon bucket list
sumarpo triathlon swimming wetsuit
Wetsuit buying guide – How to choose the best wetsuit for triathlon, open water swimming, SwimRun and cold water
latest News
Paris 2024 Olympic mens triathlon Hayden Wilde run
HOW TO WATCH LIVE: WTCS Abu Dhabi 2025 – start times, previews and streaming details
Manoel Messias World Triathlon Cup Vina del Mar 2023 win photo credit: World Triathlon
World Triathlon confirm postponements of two World Cup events
Tom Bishop finishing Challenge Roth 2024
Record-breaking Brit who eclipsed Alistair Brownlee is back for more at Challenge Roth
Kristian Blummenfelt aero position
Triathlon superstar Kristian Blummenfelt is “taking control” of his DIY IRONMAN training regime for the first time
Gwen Jorgensen World Triathlon Cup Miyazaki 2024 Results
US Olympic triathlon champ Gwen Jorgensen reveals how she deals with nerves as 2025 opener looms large
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...