John Demarest of Tryon completed his first triathlon on November 6 in Panama City, FL. The event he competed in is the Ironman Florida, a 2.4-mile ocean swim, 112-mile bike ride and a 26.2-mile run. Athletes have 17 hours to complete the event. Demarest finished in 16:24. Demarest trained for the event by swimming laps around the first basin in Lake Lanier, riding the Greenville watershed and running on Carriage Row. When he isnt training he is the president of TrueBlue/Spartan Staffing in Greenville. (photo submitted)