In a remarkable display of dedication and passion for the sport he now leads, Scott DeRue, the newly appointed CEO of IRONMAN, has successfully completed his first triathlon at the IRONMAN 70.3 North Carolina. At 47, DeRue has already carved a niche for himself as an accomplished ultrarunner and mountaineer, but this was his inaugural venture into the demanding world of triathlon—a fitting debut, given his leadership role.
The event took place in Wilmington, North Carolina, a location close to DeRue's heart, adding a layer of personal significance to his triathlon journey. Competing in the 45-49 Age Group category, DeRue embarked on this endurance challenge with bib #1, diving into the swim with a time of 32:18, transitioning onto the bike to clock a solid 2:55:10, and wrapping up with a half-marathon run in 2:06:19. His total time stood at 5:45:08, placing him 88th in his age group, 825th among the men, and 1045th overall—a commendable finish for a first-timer.
Post-race, DeRue took to Instagram to share his exhilaration, stating, "On Saturday, I had an absolute blast participating in my first ever triathlon – the @ironmantri 70.3 in Wilmington, NC. I chose this race for my first because it is my home state and the area of Wilmington has a lot of personal meaning and fond memories for me. My goal was to finish with a smile, and goal accomplished."
He expressed profound gratitude towards the 1,300+ volunteers and the IRONMAN team, whose efforts make such events possible. His post also celebrated the camaraderie and mutual support among the 2,700+ athletes, highlighting the shared experiences of joy and struggle that define triathlon.
DeRue's venture into triathlon isn't just about personal achievement; it's a powerful testament to his commitment to the IRONMAN community. As he prepares for the upcoming IRONMAN World Championship in Kona, his journey from the boardroom to the race course not only inspires but also bridges the gap between corporate leadership and athlete engagement in the world of endurance sports.
This blend of leadership and participation enriches the IRONMAN spirit, reminding us that at the heart of every challenge lies the opportunity to connect deeply with others and ourselves. Whether you're a seasoned athlete or a newcomer, DeRue’s journey underscores a universal truth in the world of sports: it's never just about the finish line; it's about the path we take to get there, the people we meet, and the memories we create.
Who is Scott DeRue and what was notable about his participation in IRONMAN 70.3 North Carolina?
Scott DeRue is the CEO of IRONMAN and he recently completed his first triathlon at the IRONMAN 70.3 North Carolina event. Despite being an accomplished ultrarunner and mountaineer, this was his debut in a triathlon competition.
What was Scott DeRue's finishing time in the IRONMAN 70.3 North Carolina race?
Scott DeRue finished the IRONMAN 70.3 North Carolina race in a time of 5:45:08, placing 88th in his Age Group category.
How did Scott DeRue perform across the different segments of the IRONMAN 70.3 North Carolina?
Scott DeRue completed the swim segment in 32:18, the bike segment in 2:55:10, and the half-marathon run segment in 2:06:19 during the IRONMAN 70.3 North Carolina race.
What did Scott DeRue say about his experience in his first triathlon?
Scott DeRue expressed on Instagram that participating in his first-ever triathlon was an absolute blast and one of the most fun and rewarding adventures he has ever experienced. He expressed gratitude towards the volunteers and plans to participate in more triathlons in the future.
#IRONMAN703 #TriathlonDebut
