TRI247
Search
shop
WIN a Surpas tri suit signed by Kristian Blummenfelt and Gustav Iden
ENTER NOW
WIN a Surpas tri suit signed by Norwegian tri legends
Enter now

Patrick Lange dedicates IRONMAN Kona victory to late mum as raw emotion runs high in Hawaii

Complete class from brilliant Kona winner as the emotions flow on the finish line after the IRONMAN World Championship.
News Director
Last updated -
SHOP

The raw emotion was obvious when Patrick Lange crossed the line for a third IRONMAN World Championship in Kona.

It was six years since his previous triumph on the Big Island but the 38-year-old showcased his talent and experience brilliantly again as he ran out a clear-cut winner after what had been a slightly up-and-down season.

Lots of work on his swim was evident as he made the front pack, to the surprise of some. And then on the bike he was essentially able to stick with the chase group before unleashing his most powerful weapon – that fearsome run.

The German started the marathon over nine minutes behind leader and defending champion Sam Laidlow, but had reeled him in before the halfway point before powering clear for the win.

All the while he looked as smooth and as graceful as ever as he clocked a fastest-of-the-day (by nearly eight minutes) marathon.

Advertisement

‘I’m really proud I did this for her’

But crossing the line the emotions poured out, and no wonder. Speaking in the post-race press conference he explained why as he dedicated the victory to his late mother, revealing: “When I was running along Ali’i Drive, about five kilometres into the run, it really struck me.

“I got goosebumps all over my body, even if I was really hot. And that was the moment where I definitely felt her.

“She died in 2020 from cancer. And when I was with her in the hospice, when I had my last talk to her, she said, I really wish you to be on that top step. I really want you to kick butts one more time. That was a big ‘why’. And I’m really proud that I did this for her.

Patrick Lange finish line emotion IRONMAN World Championship Kona 2024 photo credit Getty Images for IRONMAN
[Photo credit: Getty Images for IRONMAN]

“I always said that my best day was yet to come and nobody believed in me but this was the day, it was the absolutely perfect day. And again, this is for my Mum. I just feel grateful to be here.”

Giving back

Lange rightly received a great ovation at the press conference for that touching tribute and later in the day he would head back to the finish line, this time to cheer on others as they completed their own IRONMAN journeys as the clip below shows.

Pure class, on and off the race course.

Jonathan Turner
Written by
Jonathan Turner
Jonathan Turner is News Director for both TRI247 and RUN247, and is accustomed to big-name interviews, breaking news stories and providing unrivalled coverage for endurance sports.  
Discover more
Wahoo Kickr Run treadmill running cadence
What is the ideal running cadence? Useful metrics to work on your run form
winter cycling
Winter cycling gear guide – Essential cycling kit and accessories to keep riding all year round
Wahoo KICKR RUN treadmill indoor running marathon workouts
Best treadmill workouts for marathon training
TRI-FIT Rapid X goggles Jenny Lucas-Hill
TRI-FIT RAPID-X swimming goggles review – A contender for the best swim goggles for pool and open water?
Born Bound Skarvatten long distance tri suit
Tri suit buying guide: how to find your perfect tri suit
latest News
Sam Laidlow IRONMAN 2024 World Championship Kona Finish
Sam Laidlow announces his triathlon season is over after brutal IRONMAN Kona slugfest
lionel sanders wins oceanside 2024 [Photo credit: Donald Miralle / IRONMAN]
Lionel Sanders teases potential U-TURN over IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship in New Zealand
David McNamee at IRONMAN Vitoria 2024
British triathlon star David McNamee announces his retirement and sport’s big names pay tribute
Jonny Brownlee supertri Neom 2024 run photo credit supertri
Jonny Brownlee shows he still has “some speed in the legs” on record-breaking day for 5k running
Connor Bentley u23 World Triathlon Championship 2022
Where does GB triathlon strength lie ahead of LA 2028? The answer might be a surprise
triathlon on your terms
Never miss out with our triathlon alerts & digest. Get a dose of adventure & inspiration with Boundless.
Invalid email address
The SBRX Group

Proudly elevating endurance sports through content, products & services

SBRX
RUN247
Share to...