CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. -- CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. – Nearly 3,000 athletes from 28 countries ran, swam and cycled their way through Oceanside and Camp Pendleton during the 17th annual Ironman 70.3 Oceanside triathlon, April 2.
The triathlon is a test of muscular and cardiovascular endurance that requires competitors to swim 1.2 miles in Oceanside Harbor, bike for 56 miles along the coastline of San Clemente before going through Camp Pendleton, and run 13 miles back through Oceanside.
“Oceanside 70.3 is one of our older races, and it’s supported so well by the Camp Pendleton and Oceanside community. We have a really good relationship with everyone here,” said Kevin Shute, logistics coordinator for Ironman West Coast. “It’s a pleasure and an honor to be able to work side by side with the Marines and Sailors of Camp Pendleton.”
There were $60,000 worth of professional prize purses for winners and a slot opening for the 2016 Ironman 70.3 World Championship scheduled in Australia Sept. 4 for non-professional qualifying finishers.
Lionel Sanders finished first among the professional men’s competitors, clocking in at 3 hours, 51 minutes and 17 seconds. Heather Wurtele bested the other professional women’s competitors, crossing the finish line at 4 hours, 16 minutes and 17 seconds.
“I had one of those days where my legs felt amazing on the bike so I really pushed hard,” said Wurtele. “I felt it on the run though and really had to hold on.”
Former Camp Pendleton Marines and Sailors participated in the race, and helped out as volunteers, providing support to race participants through water, guidance and security.
“I became a volunteer because I believe this is a valuable opportunity to give back to the Camp Pendleton community and a chance for Marines and Sailors to do something worthwhile,” said Jondi Bernardo, a former Navy Lieutenant Commander and volunteer captain for Ironman 70.3 Oceanside.
In addition to the race, the Ironkids Fun Run was also held at the Oceanside Pier, along with the Ironman Village Expo, which featured products, displays, race clinics and an athlete panel discussion.
For more information on Ironman events in California, visit Ironman.com/triathlon. Marines interested in participating in next year’s Oceanside Triathlon can e-mail athleteservices@ironman.com.