Paula Findlay made it a win double for Canada at IRONMAN 70.3 Oceanside 2025 as she held off Jackie Hering for a famous success on Saturday.
The 35-year-old from Edmonton got the better of a thrilling battle on the run in California to claim her second success in this race, following on from her win in 2021.
The pair were clear of the fast-finishing Danielle Lewis (USA), who surged into the final podium spot with a rousing 1:18:30 half marathon to finish the day.
Swim – Clutterbuck leads the way
Britain’s Stephanie Clutterbuck led the field out of the water in California, just under 10 seconds ahead of Canada’s big-race favourite Findlay. Lydia Russell (USA) was right with Findlay in third and it was a further 10 seconds then to another American in the shape of Grace Alexander.
Another US star Hering was 52 seconds behind Clutterbuck in fifth while Canadian Tamara Jewett – famed for her epic run prowess – was 2:06 back in eighth.
Bike – Becharas charging
The bike leg saw Hering bridge up to the leaders in the early going – as they passed through 12 miles she was already up to third. The American was just behind Clutterbuck and Findlay, and just ahead of Alexander as those four cut out the pace.
By the 25-mile mark this group still held sway, with more than a minute to spare on the US trio of Lisa Becharas, Alice Alberts and Russell. Jewett meanwhile was 2:30 back and in ninth position.
Findlay spent the next 15 miles building a gap of 38 seconds over Alexander and Hering, while Clutterbuck had fallen away to more than a minute off the lead. She was now riding along with Becharas, but Alberts had lost significant ground.
The closing stages of the bike leg were all about Becharas as she surged forward past Findlay, Alexander and Hering to lead by 11 seconds heading into T2. The gap to Clutterbuck in fourth was over three minutes and it looked like a four-way fight for the win now.
Run – Findlay too strong
The lead for Becharas did not last long on the run course as she was swiftly passed by Hering and Findlay, with Jackie building a 15-second lead through the 3-mile mark. Alexander was now more than a minute back.
It was a thrilling battle up front, and Hering continued to hold the advantage with just under 5 miles remaining, leading Findlay by only 11 seconds. Lewis meanwhile had moved up into the final podium spot as Becharas began to falter.
Deep into the half-marathon things change seismically as Paula surged up to Jackie and then past her. Was it a case of Paula charging, or Jackie fading, or both?
Hering hung tough throughout but she could not peg back the lead that Findlay had snatched, and at the tape there were just 19 seconds separating the pair as Paula claimed the win. Lewis claimed the final podium spot courtesy of that terrific run.
IRONMAN 70.3 Oceanside results
Saturday April 5, 2025 – Oceanside, California
Pro Women
- 1. Paula Findlay (CAN) – 4:16:50 (26:22 / 2:24:35 / 1:20:11)
- 2. Jackie Hering (USA) – 4:17:09 (27:05 / 2:24:00 / 1:20:14)
- 3. Danielle Lewis (USA) – 4:18:18 (31:00 / 2:22:59 / 1:18:30)
- 4. Tamara Jewett (CAN) – 4:20:59 (28:19 / 2:29:51 / 1:17:00)
- 5. Kaidi Kivioja (EST) – 4:21:21 (28:20 / 2:25:10 / 1:21:17)
