Search
shop

IRONMAN chief teases “exciting developments” after overseeing first IRONMAN Kona

'Anything is Possible!' But does that include return to dual IRONMAN World Championships for men and women?
News Director
Last updated -

Nine months into the job as the IRONMAN Group’s CEO, Scott DeRue has said “stay tuned for exciting developments on the horizon” for the M-Dot brand.

DeRue, the former boss of Equinox, had big shoes to fill after taking over from long-time CEO Andrew Messick.

But he has immersed himself in IRONMAN events over the course of this year – often unannounced – and also took part in his first 70.3 race at IRONMAN 70.3 North Carolina recently.

Advertisement

‘We really miss the women’

Perhaps the most contentious issue he has to deal with so far is the split men’s and women’s IRONMAN World Championships in Kona and Nice.

Having separate race days in Kona in 2022 for the first time didn’t prove workable for the islanders, hence the current situation where one race is in Hawaii and one on the French Riviera, with the men and women alternating each year.

That’s in place up to and including 2026 but none other than Patrick Lange, who would go on to claim a third title in Kona, pleaded for a return to both racing at the same venue in his pre-race press conference.

The German legend referenced DeRue himself when he said: “It’s been great to be back [in Kona], two years seems too long. I’d love to come year every year for racing.

“And also to you Scott, we really miss the women, so please bring back the women to our race. So that would be much appreciated as well.”

‘Anything is Possible!’

It remains to be seen how that plays out but writing on LinkedIn, DeRue repeatedly referenced the IRONMAN slogan of ‘Anything is Possible!’ when looking back at the year so far.

Scott DeRue IRONMAN CEO 70.3 North Carolina 2024 Finish Line
IRONMAN CEO Scott DeRue completes IRONMAN 70.3 North Carolina 2024 (Photo – Finisher Pix).

He said: “From the outside, you will see the largest organizer of participation sports in the world. 200+ events across 50+ countries and a highly engaged and passionate community. This is what you see from the outside looking in, but in my first 9 months as CEO, I’ve been on a journey to discover who we are on the inside.

“As part of this journey, I’ve asked nearly all of our team members about their “IRONMAN Why? – why do you work at IRONMAN?” Though the specific language and wording may differ, the substance of the answer is almost universal across our team no matter the person’s role, title, or where they are in the world.

“Why IRONMAN? To create experiences that are life changing by inspiring people to believe Anything is Possible!

“When your brand, customer, and team are all aligned around a shared purpose, there are no limits to what can be achieved. We are not perfect as an organization, but we strive for it every day with a deep sense of purpose that is woven through the cultural fabric of our organization. It is this sense of shared purpose that is inspiring us to raise the bar and elevate expectations on who we can be as an organization and how we can better serve our community.

“I am incredibly honored to be part of the IRONMAN Ohana. And I want to thank our athletes, fans, and partners for your feedback these past 9 months.

Your voice is critical to us achieving our aspirations, and stay tuned for exciting developments on the horizon!

“Lastly, I want to thank our IRONMAN team. I am inspired by your leadership, teamwork, and commitment to our community. It is truly a privilege to work alongside of you each and every day.”

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
Challenge Family Kaiserwinkle-Walchsee triathlon bike
The ultimate triathlon bike courses to ride before you die
TRI247 Wahoo KICKR RUN treadmill review
Wahoo KICKR RUN treadmill review – can Wahoo do for treadmill running what they did for indoor cycling?
Challenge Cesenatico 2024 debut - image credit Jose Luis Hourcade / Challenge Family
5 ways to improve your FTP – Expert tips to level up your cycling
Challenge The Championship Marjolaine Pieree
How to qualify for Challenge The Championship – and why it should be on your triathlon bucket list
sumarpo triathlon swimming wetsuit
Wetsuit buying guide – How to choose the best wetsuit for triathlon, open water swimming, SwimRun and cold water
latest News
Lionel Sanders training pic August 2023 photo credit Talbot Cox
Lionel Sanders details new training mantra ahead of 2025 triathlon season
Paris 2024 Olympic mens triathlon Hayden Wilde run
WTCS Abu Dhabi 2025: Start time, preview and how to watch live
Alex Yee Cassandre Beaugrand gold medals supertri Boston photo credit supertri
Olympic triathlon champion smashes national 5km running record thanks to SENSATIONAL finish
Jelle Geens IRONMAN
IRONMAN 70.3 World Champ heads to Geelong to kickstart 2025 season before T100 focus
Sam Long St George 2024 photo credit Getty Images for IRONMAN
Yo Yo Yo – Sam Long sets out his BIGGEST goal for 2025 and puts mood over training metrics
triathlon on your terms
Never miss out with our triathlon alerts & digest. Get a dose of adventure & inspiration with Boundless.
The 247 Group

The home of endurance sports

Share to...