Elite

Knibb Shatters Course Record, Americans Shine at 2026 Athletic Brewing IRONMAN 70.3 Oceanside

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by USA Triathlon

U.S. Elite Triathlete Taylor Knibb crosses the finish line

U.S. Elite Triathlete Taylor Knibb wins Oceanside 70.3.

OCEANSIDE, Calif. — U.S. Triathlon National Team member Taylor Knibb and Norway's Kristian Blummenfelt won the pro women's and men's races on Saturday, March 28 at the 2026 Athletic Brewing IRONMAN 70.3 Oceanside, both finishing in course record times.

One of the most prestigious events on the IRONMAN circuit, Oceanside has long served as the traditional season opener for pro triathletes in North America. The race features a harbor swim, a bike through the hills of Camp Pendleton, and a run through downtown Oceanside, drawing the sport's top talent each spring as an early qualifying opportunity for the IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship.

Knibb claimed her third title at Oceanside, crossing the finish line in 4 hours, 1 minute, 39 seconds, nearly five minutes faster than her own previous course record. A Paris 2024 Olympian with eyes on LA28, Knibb dominated the bike leg with a 2:15:27 split that shattered the bike course record of 2:18:00 she had shared with Daniela Ryf. Norway's Solveig Løvseth finished second in 4:03:34, with France's Audrey Merle third in 4:10:33.

American athletes made their presence felt throughout the women's field. Jackie Hering was the second U.S. woman across the line, finishing fifth in 4:15:42. Paris 2024 Olympian Kirsten Kasper, also a member of the U.S. Triathlon National Team, placed seventh in 4:17:46. 

Americans Danielle Lewis and Grace Alexander ninth and 10th, respectively, giving the U.S. four women inside the top 10.

In the men's race, Norway's Kristian Blummenfelt claimed the win in a course record 3:40:08, with Germany's Jonas Schomburg second in 3:40:32 and Norway's Casper Stornes third in 3:41:58.

American men delivered an impressive performance throughout the field. Sam Long led the way with a fourth-place finish in 3:42:09, posting a 2:02:04 bike split that broke the previous bike course record by more than two minutes. Jason West placed fifth in 3:43:17. Ben Kanute, a former U.S. Triathlon National Team member, Rio 2016 Olympian, and two-time Oceanside champion, finished eighth in 3:44:33, and Marc Dubrick placed ninth in 3:44:47, giving the U.S. four men in the top 10. Ari Klau rounded out a strong American showing in 11th place in 3:45:13.

2026 Athletic Brewing IRONMAN 70.3 Oceanside

1.2-mile swim, 56-mile bike, 13.1-mile run

Pro Women

  1. Taylor Knibb (USA), 4:01:39 CR
  2. Solveig Løvseth (NOR), 4:03:34
  3. Audrey Merle (FRA), 4:10:33
  4. Grace Thek (AUS), 4:15:22
  5. Jackie Hering (USA), 4:15:42
  6. Marta Sanchez (ESP), 4:16:55
  7. Kirsten Kasper (USA), 4:17:46
  8. Amelie Kretz (CAN), 4:19:50
  9. Danielle Lewis (USA), 4:21:19
  10. Grace Alexander (USA), 4:21:30

Pro Men

  1. Kristian Blummenfelt (NOR), 3:40:08 CR
  2. Jonas Schomburg (GER), 3:40:32
  3. Casper Stornes (NOR), 3:41:58
  4. Sam Long (USA), 3:42:09
  5. Jason West (USA), 3:43:17
  6. Jonas Hoffmann (GER), 3:43:48
  7. Jackson Laundry (CAN), 3:44:19
  8. Ben Kanute (USA), 3:44:33
  9. Marc Dubrick (USA), 3:44:47
  10. Sam Appleton (AUS), 3:44:59

About USA Triathlon 

USA Triathlon is proud to serve as the National Governing Body for triathlon, as well as duathlon, aquathlon, aquabike, winter triathlon, off-road triathlon, paratriathlon, and indoor and virtual multisport events in the United States. Founded in 1982, USA Triathlon sanctions more than 3,500 events and races and connects with and supports more than 300,000 unique active members each year, making it the largest multisport organization in the world. In addition to its work at the grassroots level with athletes, coaches, and race directors — as well as the USA Triathlon Foundation — USA Triathlon provides leadership and support to elite athletes competing at international events, including World Triathlon World Championships, Pan American Games and the Olympic and Paralympic Games.