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Brent Scholar's Inspiring Journey to His First IRONMAN Arizona Triathlon

For elite athletes crossing the IRONMAN finish line, few moments rival hearing announcer Mike Riley declare: “You are an IRONMAN!”

Brent Scholar aims to experience those words firsthand on November 19, 2017, at IRONMAN Arizona in Tempe. This debut full-distance IRONMAN caps a transformative journey marked by personal challenges that have forged his resilience. Afterward, he'll add "IRONMAN finisher" to his growing list of triumphs.

Brent's path began in 2011 amid a vertigo episode, weighing 193 pounds. Committed to change, he started P90X workouts at home and saw rapid progress. Craving a bigger goal, he turned to running—and hasn't looked back.

On his 40th birthday, Brent ran four miles. Building momentum, he completed his first half-marathon in 2013 and seven full marathons nationwide since, each faster than the last.

Seeking greater challenges, Brent bought a bike in 2014 and trained for his first triathlon: Santa Cruz 70.3. Hooked, he targeted IRONMAN Arizona, registering and following a rigorous swim-bike-run regimen despite a demanding career. But a June 2017 cancer diagnosis for his mother disrupted everything, testing his resolve.

Brent and his brother alternated caregiving during her California chemotherapy, forcing travel between Arizona and California that strained his training. Doubts crept in about continuing for IRONMAN Arizona.

During one trip, a friend picked him up at the airport with sage advice: “To be a true caretaker, you must first care for yourself.” She opened her trunk, handed him her bike, and insisted, “You'll need one for Arizona and one for California.” Touched by her generosity, Brent recommitted.

With his mother's chemotherapy complete, Brent intensified training across states. Now in peak form, he's eager for IRONMAN Arizona on November 19 at Tempe Town Lake. Friends and family will cheer him on, joining countless athletes whose lifelong struggles culminate here.

Witness Brent's Ironman moment on November 19, 2017, at Tempe Town Lake. Athletes, explore accommodations for your IRONMAN Arizona base.

Brent Scholar s Inspiring Journey to His First IRONMAN Arizona TriathlonBrent Scholar s Inspiring Journey to His First IRONMAN Arizona Triathlon


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