Search
shop

Jewett and Pallant-Browne set for running showdown at Aix-en-Provence

It looks set to be a classic head-to-head battle between two of the quickest runners in the sport at IRONMAN 70.3 Aix-en-Provence on Sunday.
News Director
Last updated -
Get the ultimate guide to destination racing

The women’s field at IRONMAN 70.3 Aix-en-Provence is completely dominated by two names – Emma Pallant-Browne and Tamara Jewett.

They’re both in the top 10 in the latest PTO world rankings at #7 and #9, with the next highest in the field Giorgia Priarone at #43.

And if it comes down to a head-to-head battle then we’re in for a treat because these are two of the fastest runners in the sport.

Advertisement

Running backgrounds

Emma Pallant-Browne World Duathlon champion 2023 photo credit Ben Lumley / World Triathlon
Emma Pallant-Browne World Duathlon champion 2023 [Photo credit: Ben Lumley / World Triathlon]

That was underlined again at the recent PTO European Open in Ibiza when they both sliced through the field on the run to take fourth and sixth respectively, only winner Anne Haug clocking a faster split.

So how do they stack up – and are we likely to get that showdown on the roads around Avignon over what’s a rolling three-loop course between the city centre and the Parc de la Torse?

The good news is there’s not much between them in any of the disciplines – on the swim / bike / run rankings on the PTO database, Pallant-Browne’s figures are 87%, 93% and 97%, with Jewett at 84%, 91% and 99%.

So while potentially a narrow advantage to Pallant-Browne heading into T2, there’s every chance it comes down to who runs quickest.

South Africa-based Brit Pallant-Browne is a former European U23 Cross Country champion and discovered triathlon while recovering from a knee injury sustained while attempting to make the 2012 London Olympics squad in the 5,000m.

She heads into Sunday’s race on the back of winning a third World Duathlon title a week before the PTO European Open in Ibiza and racked up no fewer than six victories in the 2022 campaign, with a string of rapid run times including a 1:13:56 when winning Challenge Riccione.

Rapid strides

Tamara Jewett wins Oceanside 2023 Tamara Jewett wins Oceanside 2023
Tamara Jewett powered to Oceanside glory [Photo credit: Donald Miralle for IRONMAN]

But Canada’s Jewett is making impressive progress in her first season as a full-time triathlete, having left her job at law firm Torys LLP last November.

She comes from a track background and more often than not has the fastest run split in whatever race she enters.

She had a 1:13:08 half marathon at 70.3 Augusta in 2021, no fewer than three 1:14 half marathon times last year but topped all of those with a 1:12:59 to start this season in perfect style with an eye-catching win at IRONMAN 70.3 Oceanside where she surged past IRONMAN World Champion Chelsea Sodaro.

That definitely puts her a step or two ahead and ominously for Pallant-Browne and her other rivals on Sunday she posted on Instagram this week: “First truly hard run session since PTO European Open and last big one before Aix in the books.

“Legs seem to have come back nicely, and it was really cool to see some very solid progress compared to an almost identical workout a year ago. I hope that shows up on Sunday.”

Jonathan Turner
Written by
Jonathan Turner
Jonathan Turner is News Director for both TRI247 and RUN247, and is accustomed to big-name interviews, breaking news stories and providing unrivalled coverage for endurance sports.  
Discover more
Challenge Family Jort Vlam CEO
“It’s not just for nutty people who train 40 hours a week!” Jort Vlam on taking triathlon mainstream and why he’s still inspired to keep growing the sport
Chain hanging to dry after waxing
PremiumSwitching to a waxed chain could take minutes off your Ironman bike split, without riding any harder – and here’s why
PremiumAre women better than men at long distances? We uncover the truth once and for all
Castelli Aero Pro 8S women's cycling jersey
Castelli Aero Pro 8S cycling jersey review: can this ultra-aero jersey turn watts into speed without dialling down on comfort?
Sian Rainsley Vitus
PremiumThreshold or VO2 max? The best type of intervals for triathletes who want to get faster
latest News
Lucy Charles Barclay T100 London celebrations 2025
T100 win confirms the numbers – and now Lucy Charles-Barclay sets sights on Kona and more
Alex Yee London Marathon 2025
Alex Yee sets stunning new PB for 5,000m at international meet in Belgium
Hayden Wilde finish line T100 London 2025
‘He’s a superfreak’ – Jan Frodeno hails INCREDIBLE Hayden Wilde comeback
Hayden Wilde wins T100 London 2025
T100 London men’s results 2025: Hayden Wilde wins in one of the GREATEST EVER sporting comebacks
Lucy Charles Barclay wins T100 London 2025
T100 London women’s results 2025: FAIRYTALE win for Lucy Charles-Barclay in front of home fans
triathlon on your terms
Never miss out with our triathlon alerts & digest. Get a dose of adventure & inspiration with Boundless.
The 247 Group

The home of endurance sports

TRI247-LOGO_Primary-Black_RGB-1

CHOOSE YOUR MEMBERSHIP TO BECOME PART OF SOMETHING EPIC

We’re on a mission to elevate the world of endurance sport, becoming your go-to resource for expert training tips and inspiration, unbiased reporting and creating a platform for grassroots voices. But we can’t do it without you on board! Choose a TRI247+ membership option below and become part of something epic.

All plans include a 7-day free trial

£7.95/month

Unlimited access. No ads. A whole library of tips, advice and inspiration at your finger tips, and the chance to shape the future of triathlon journalism.

100+ new articles/month

You’ll also gain access to our other premium websites:

Have an account? Sign in

All plans include a 7-day free trial

£47.95/year
£95.40/year

50% Discount

100+ new articles/month

Unlimited access. No ads. A whole library of tips, advice and inspiration at your finger tips, and the chance to shape the future of triathlon journalism.

You’ll also gain access to our other premium websites:

Have an account? Sign in

Share to...