Expect a big international crowd in Oceanside this weekend as triathletes from around the globe turn out for the annual Ironman 70.3 Oceanside.
The event, which features pro and non-pro triathletes racing together on the same course, marks the 2019 kickoff of Ironman’s 70.3 North American Series.
Athletes began checking in Thursday, and an Ironman expo has opened near the Oceanside Pier. Friday’s events include a kid’s fun run, while Saturday’s main race begins at 6:40 a.m. at Oceanside Harbor Beach.
The 70.3-mile race has competitors swimming 1.2 miles in the Pacific Ocean; biking 56 miles starting from Oceanside Harbor through Camp Pendleton and back to the Oceanside Harbor; then running a two-loop 13.1-mile course that begins above the Oceanside Pier, winds down to Harbor and on The Strand, and through coastal neighborhoods.
In 2018, pro triathlete Jan Frodeno of Germany won the event with an overall course time of 03:45:05. Second place went to pro Lionel Sanders (CAN), who wrapped up in 03:48:58, followed by Australian pro Timothy James Reed, who finished with a time of 03:53:08.
The fastest woman on course in 2018 was German pro Anne Haug, who crossed the finish line in 4:12:03.
Overall, the 2018 event saw more than 2,500 athletes representing 32 countries and 47 states start the race.
Registration for this year’s race has closed, however spectators are welcome to watch at no charge. The best place to catch the swim action is by the Harbor Pelican Deli Mart. The majority of the bike course is on Camp Pendleton and not accessible to non-competitors, but spectators can view the athlete transition area along Harbor Drive. The best place to watch the run portion of the race is as athletes head in and out of the transition area, and around The Strand and boardwalk.
For more information, click here.
— Toni McAllister