Everything you need to know about Ironman 70.3 Oceanside

It is the traditional season-opener for Ironman racing in North America, and this weekend’s Ironman 70.3 Oceanside promises to deliver some exciting racing. That’s despite the news that two of the marquee competitors, Jan Frodeno and Lionel Sanders have had to pull out of the race.

Times and coverage

The pro race starts at 6:40 AM local time – that’s 9:40 EST. It will be broadcast live on Outside TV. You can watch the race free on the website, or via the mobile app. You can also keep track of the race and athletes on the Ironman tracker.

You can see the full start list here.

Ironman and 70.3 broadcast schedule announced

Women’s race

As we noted earlier this week, the women’s race features a more competitive “strength of field” score than the men’s race. We previewed the women’s race (see the link below) earlier this week.

Oceanside 70.3 women’s field features higher “Strength of Field” score than the men’s

Highlighting the women’s field is Ironman world champion Chelsea Sodaro (USA), but she’ll face some stiff competition from the likes of Canada’s Paula Findlay and Tamara Jewett, along with Great Britain’s Holly Lawrence. The race also sees the return to racing for fellow Brit Kat Matthews, who enjoyed a stellar 2022 season until she was hit by a car training for the Ironman World Championship.

Men’s race

Before he pulled out of the race due to a virus, the triathlon world was buzzing at the thought of seeing the three-time Kona and Olympic champion return to racing. Even without Frodeno and Sanders, though, the race promises to be an exciting one, with 71 pro men still on the start list.

Jan Frodeno’s 70.3 Oceanside entry inspires huge pro contingent

Canadian Jackson Laundry will wear race #1, and would dearly love to take another Oceanside title after his dramatic (and huge) win last year.

The inside scoop on Jackson Laundry’s breakthrough win at Oceanside 70.3

Others in the field include 70.3 worlds runner-up Ben Kanute, Sam Long, and Clash Miami winner, Jason West (all from the US), along with Denmark’s Miki Taagholt, defending World Triathlon Championship Series champion Leo Bergere (FRA) and … well, lots more 70.3 and Ironman champions.

We’ll have lots of post-race info, so check back with us tomorrow.