Craig Kuglen

Craig is the epitome of an endurance athlete and one of the oldest continuous triathletes, nearing 75 years old. He has participated in hundreds of triathlons, carrying the torch for excellence in multi-sport with not only his participation in duathlons and triathlons, but mentoring dozens (if not hundreds) of athletes along the way. He has participated in triathlons since virtually its inception in the late 70s, and is a well-known icon in the state of Texas for his accomplishments including receiving many age-group national championships.

Now racing in the 75-79 age group, Craig's event count is around 400,  but he is best known for his love of the sport and work to bring others into the triathlon world.

With a new MD degree,  Dr. Kuglen came to Texas,  moving to Galveston with his family in 1962.  After completing his postgraduate training in 1966 he settled in the Rio Grand Valley and over the next 29 years became nationally and internationally recognized in his field of medicine.

McAllen, Texas, 1981, one of  the states earliest triathlons, marked his first event.  The sport was new and few races were taking place.  He started working to develop basic background events – adult swimming,  local bike groups,  runs,  and multisport  events.  He saw triathlons as,  not only a challenge for himself,  but as a way to bring  fitness and a healthy life style to others.  Now,  after 31 consecutive years of competing,  he continues to share his knowledge and experience,  to encourage and to coach.

His first ITU World Championship came in 1993 and he continued doing Tri and Du Worlds Championships through 1999. A cancer diagnosis slowed but did not stop his racing in 2000 and 2001.  He again competed on Team USA  2002 – 2005,  went to Kona in 2006, and made  trips to the podium at the IM 70.3 World Championships in Clearwater 2006, 2007, 2008, 2010.

Craig has won numerous USAT State, Regional, and National Championships.  For the past 10 years he to has frequently been ranked in his age group No.1 in the SMW Region and in the top 10 nationally.

“Mostly” retired from his medical work,  Craig moved to Austin in 1995 and found more time to spend with triathlons.  Over his long career he has worked on almost every aspect of the sport from race organizing to packet stuffing,  from kids triathlons to regional committees,  from medical tent to gofer.

Married for 52 years, he has 4 children and 7 grandchildren.  When not doing triathons, he is active in civic organizations in Austin.