A hilly two-lap course with spectacular views of Old San Juan challenged every runner.
For access to all of our training, gear, and race coverage, plus exclusive training plans, FinisherPix photos, event discounts, and GPS apps,
sign up for Outside+.
Athletes from around the world (including several from the east coast who escaped winter storms) traveled to San Juan to compete in Ironman 70.3 Puerto Rico and found a true race paradise.
Though the area is still in post-hurricane Maria clean-up mode, the island and the race are showing steady signs of rebuilding. The age-group only event attracted a nearly 50 percent increase in athlete participation over 2018. The Monday after the race (March 18), athletes gathered and restored the Barrios Saint Just y San Anton Community Center with the Ironman Foundation.
Enjoy these beautiful photos from photographer Paul Phillips, who has traveled to San Juan several years in a row to capture the event.
Ocean views were a welcome relief from winter for many athletes who traveled in from the east coast.
Two Chilean athletes toured old San Juan on Friday evening.
Teammates get ready to compete in the pre-dawn transition.
A last minute surprise entrant was pro Heather Jackson. Heather was in San Juan on behalf of her sponsor Herbal Life and used the race as prep for the real start of her season in Oceanside.
As the sun rises, the athletes gather at Condado Lagoon for the swim.
Photo: Paul Phillips/Competitive Image
The swim course features several opportunities for spectators to spot their athletes.
Smooth water made for a fast swim.
The long transition gave family and support teams the chance to cheer on their athletes.
Many athletes left a pair of shoes at the swim exit to ease the run to T1.
An athlete rides up and onto the bike course.
The race features one of the most beautiful bike-out exits on the 70.3 circuit.
Calm seas and light winds on the bike course were a welcome relief from what the athletes faced in prior years.
A smile from this athlete.
The tropics featured some new growth.
The light poles that were bent by hurricane winds have been replaced.
Heather Jackson put in a hard training day, was third overall, and had the fastest run split of the day.
A hilly two-lap course with spectacular views of Old San Juan challenged every runner.
Several parts of the course feature amazing views of the Atlantic Ocean.
Another epic shot from the run course.
A steep downhill offers no relief for the runners.
An out and back section along the “Wall” offers no relief from the sun and is know as the “microwave.”
Athletes come and go with Castillo de San Cristobal in the background.
A couple on the run course together stop for a photo op!
A beautiful finish for a beautiful race.
Race organizers Arturo Dias and Alejandro Velasquez with Ironman Foundation executive director Sarah Hartmann and U.S. Senator Kyrsten Sinema, who was racing in support of Women for Tri.
The reward for a hard day of work.
Triathlete Newsletter
Train smarter, race faster, and crush your tri goals.
