Iron[wo]man counts Beach2Battleship as #35

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — 1600 men and women from all over the world came to New Hanover County to compete in PPD’s Beach2Battleship Triathlon. The 700 men and women who were brave enough to do the full, jumped in the water at 7am on Saturday morning; among them a Floridian, who counts PPD’s Beach2Battleship as her 35th full triathlon.

“I should be old hat at this, but for some reason, this race just scares me,” admitted Susan Haag before the race.

She first became an ironman in 2002, and competed in the first Beach2Battleship in 2008. She loves the local flavor of New Hanover County and the locals.

“The people just think you’re amazing, and it’s kind of nice feeling amazing all day long,” said Haag.

And it certainly is a long day…
First, a 2.4-mile swim in 65-degree water. Next, a 112-mile bike ride. And last, a marathon, 26.2 miles. Susan ran across the finish line after 16 hours, 14 minutes and 23 seconds. Her friend and fellow triathlete is proud of her perseverance and positivity.

“I brag about her constantly because she’s probably the toughest person I’ve ever met,” said Blaine Adams.

For Susan, the challenge is worth is the intense physical and mental roller coaster.

“It’s a chance to kind of see what you’re made of when you’re out there. And because you get to experience this range of emotions, it’s what living is all about, I think,” said Haag.

Susan usually describes triathlons as exhilarating, but Saturday tested her limits.

“I impressed myself with my perseverance because I just won’t quit,” said Haag.

From the beach to the battleship in just over 16 hours, Susan Haag completed her 35th ironman triathlon, only to go on to the 36th one in two weeks.

The full triathlon 1st place finisher came in just under nine hours; eight hours, 55 minutes and 52 seconds to be exact. Congratulations to Zach Ruble from Florida.