Rocklin, CA – (March 29, 2015) More than 3,000 amateur and professional athletes gathered at the harbor in Oceanside early Saturday morning to compete in the California 70.3. The women’s professional race had a deep field which included 2013 California 70.3 Champion Heather Jackson and 2014 Champion Heather Wurtele. Several top short course professional triathletes were also in the field including Alicia Kaye and Holly Lawrence. The race featured a 1.2-mile swim in the Oceanside harbor, a hilly bike through Camp Pendelton and 2 loop run that included running up the pier several times.
Heather Jackson of Wattie Ink was first to cross the line. This is Jackson’s third win in Oceanside. She is set to compete at the Wildflower Triathlon in May.
Freeplay triathletes, Anna Hertel and Faith Lehman, put together strong races across all three disciplines to finish in the top 20 of their age groups. Hertel used a 2:41 bike split to place 14th in the very competitive 30-34 age group.
“I was rewarded for all my hard work yesterday. I dared to push harder on the bike and had the second fastest bike split in a strong age group. Focusing on process during the run was key. Although I still ran 15 minutes faster than last year, another lesson was learned. Just because they are offering Red Bull, doesn’t mean I should reach for it – major stomach cramps made for a painful second run loop. Despite this I still finished within my goal of top 15 with 14th place finish, which is the result of process and hard work,” said Hertel post race.
Hertel will be racing the Half Moon Bay Triathlon next month.
Faith Lehman placed 18th in the 25-29 age group by pairing a 32 minute swim with a solid bike. This was Lehman first race of the season. Lehman is deciding between either St. George 70.3 or Wildflower Long Course in May with her main race being IMCDA in June.
“I learned a lot of about work/life balance for an early season race. Set your priorities and focus. I had some gains with a side of set backs., “ said Lehman after the race. “Focusing on my running will help set me apart in my age group. I am looking forward to this change in focus”.
Up in Northern California Freeplay pro Kelsey Withrow placed 3rd in the XTERRA Real. This off-road triathlon featured an 800 meter swim, 16 mile bike and a 4 mile trail run.
Withrow, a road triathlete, was first out of the water with a 12:39 minute swim. She safely navigated the mountain bike course and then used her run strength to secure herself a third place finish on the day.
“Why not change things up with a little off-road? I had a great time and there was definitely some amazing competition! I am thankful to have another healthy race under my belt,” said Withrow when asked about her decision to race off-road this weekend.
Withrow’s focus will be on the half distance events this season. She is scheduled to race the long course at Wildflower in May.
Top Female Finishers at the California 70.3
- Heather Jackson
- Heather Wurtele
- Holly Lawerence
- Alicia Kaye
- Angela Naeth
Top Female Finishers at Xterra Real in Granite Bay, California
- Debby Sullivan
- Kara LaPoint
- Kelsey Withrow
- Sian Turner
- Solana Kline
