Glenda Banaghan

You can do hard things!

If I was to write something inspirational that is what I would title it. I was a distance and mountain runner until my mid-fifties. Then chronic Achilles tendonitis put a stop to that, and I found myself on a bike. I am not fast; I just have a lot of endurance and pig headedness that allows me to ride a long way and up lots of hills.

I just completed my 6th 3 Peaks Challenge in the high country of Victoria. It is the most challenging Grand Fondo in Australia with 235km and 4500m of climbing, but it is so worth it for the scenery and views, and the sense of accomplishment is amazing.

My times have ranged from a best of 10hrs 20 mins to 12hrs 15mins, the cut off is 13 hours in all types of weather from sleet and freezing cold to 40 degrees and sun.

My next challenge is 320km unbound gravel ride in Kansas USA in May, if Trumpy lets us in! It has only about 3000m climbing so really a piece of cake! And 21 hours to complete it.

I moved here to the (not so sometimes) Sunny Coast in June 2025 and quickly found the SCBC and I am loving the camaraderie and riding the hinterland hills.

Bike riding, like my running, gives you a great circle of like-minded friends and you can eat all the foods when you're riding 400+ km a week.

From mountain running to conquering epic cycling challenges, Glenda's journey is a powerful reminder that endurance, grit, and a love of the outdoors can take you extraordinary places. Read about some more of Glenda's adventures.

• Where grit meets community spirit (2025)
  Supporting from two wheels, Glenda helped guide a champion through a race that became a powerful story of determination and community. 
• Three Peaks & endurance events (results mention)
  Glenda appears in official event results, highlighting her involvement in some of Australia's toughest endurance challenges.
• Proven endurance at the highest level
  A former elite distance runner with impressive personal bests — including a sub-3-hour marathon — Glenda's athletic journey is built on strength, consistency, and determination.
• World Mountain Running Championships (2008)
  A strong performance placing among top Australian women in the iconic Three Peaks mountain running race — showcasing her endurance roots.
• Masters & endurance athletics results
  Glenda features in multiple endurance and masters athletics events, reflecting years of consistent performance and resilience.
• Ultra and long-distance racing results (Aura Magazine)
  Recorded as a top female finisher in endurance events — a testament to her strength and determination over long distances.