IRONMAN CEO Scott DeRue has spent the last nine months talking the triathlon talk since taking up his new role, and now he is absolutely walking the walk.

The 47-year-old American was already an accomplished ultrarunner and mountaineer before being appointed in January 2024, but until Saturday (October 19) he had never participated in a triathlon. Now he has.

DeRue decided to make his debut – of course in an IRONMAN-branded race – in his home state of North Carolina, over the 70.3 distance in Wilmington. So how did he do in this baptism of swim/bike/run fire?

Finishing time and position

DeRue began his day at IRONMAN 70.3 North Carolina, wearing bib #1 and competing in the 45-49 Age Group category, with a 32:18 swim, and followed that up with a 2:55:10 bike leg.

Now Scott just had the small matter of a half-marathon to contend with before completing his first triathlon, and he negotiated that safely in a time of 2:06:19. His overall finishing time was 5:45:08 – good for 88th place in his Age Group category, 825th man to cross the finish line and the 1045th finisher overall.

DeRue on triathlon debut

Afterwards DeRue took to his Instagram account to talk about his experience, and fair to say he rather enjoyed it.

He wrote: “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.

“The race experience was incredible – many thanks to the 1,300+ volunteers and our @ironmantri team who make it all possible. Congrats to the 2,700+ athletes who not only had their own dreams come true, but also on course we’re supportive, lifting each other up, and sharing the joy (and suffering) of triathlon with each other.

“Endurance sports and adventure are a big part of my life, and I can genuinely say this was one of the most fun and rewarding adventures I’ve ever experienced. I’ll definitely be back for more, especially once I learn how to swim in a straight line 😜.”

Now DeRue has another major race to attend this week of course, the annual showpiece in Kona as the men return to the Big Island for the first time since 2022 for the 2024 IRONMAN World Championship.