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.

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
Caroline Pohle Lena Meissner ironman 703 jonkoping sprint 2025
PremiumTriathlon’s mid-season report card: Tim Don on who’s raising the bar this triathlon race season
TRI-FIT VANGUARD tri suit review
The entry-level tri suit with a serious amount of performance for the price point – TRI-FIT VANGUARD review
Hayden Wilde bike supertri Boston 2024 photo credit supertri
Premium10 ways to make your road bike faster and more aero for triathlons
Kristian Blummenfelt photo credit: PTO Canadian Open
PremiumIs your gut health impacting your performance? The untapped potential of good gut health for triathletes
Laura Philipp and Kat Matthews on the run at the 2024 IRONMAN World Championship
PremiumHas triathlon reached peak performance? Tri experts and legends on how much faster triathletes could get
latest News
Paris 2024 Women's Triathlon podium - Cassandre Beaugrand, Julie Derron, Beth Potter
GOLDEN opportunity for the sport as first medals of LA2028 will be women’s triathlon
Gordon Ramsay 703 Luxembourg 2025
‘I’M BACK and Cooking!’ – Celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay celebrates triathlon return
Danielle Lewis (USA) takes the win in Lake Placid.
Start list for IRONMAN Lake Placid REVEALED – and it’s stacked with world class names
Julie Derron wins T100 San Francisco 2025
IRONMAN Vitoria-Gasteiz 2025: Olympic star wins by MORE than half an hour for first full-distance win
Matt Hauser Linn Jeffcoat Willian Australia win Mixed Relay WTCS Hamburg 2025
WTCS Hamburg 2025 Mixed Relay World Championship: Hauser anchors Australia to glory
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.

£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

£47.95/year
£95.40/year

50% Discount

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...