Pro fields just short of World Championship quality led to course records by Jan Frodeno and Heather Wurtele at the 15th Ironman 70.3 California in Oceanside.

All photographs © Timothy Carlson

Jan Frodeno rode a 4th-best 2:12:37 bike split while winning the 15th Ironman 70.3 California.

Two-time Ironman 70.3 World Champion Sebastian Kienle arrived at the Oceanside bike transition well before dawn.

A moment of reflection before the swim.

Jan Frodeno finished the swim two seconds behind Andy Potts.

Caitlin Snow rode 2:34:58 - 9 minutes behind Heather Jackson.

Sebastian Kienle rode a 2nd-fastest 2:10:40 bike split.

Multiple Duathlon world champion Joerie Van Steelant was off form - he rode 2:34:28 and was never in contention.

Rachel McBride of Canada rode a race-best 2:24:30 bike split but did not finish the run.

Matt Chrabot rode into contention with a 4th-best 2:12:25 bike split but fell back to 7th on the run.

Andy Potts rode a 2:13:00 bike split on his way to second place.

Joe Gambles rode 2:13:46 and finished 4th.

Matt Chrabot shadows Jan Frodeno down the no-passing zone downhill.

Jan Frodeno's 6-foot 4-inch frame is put to glorious use during a fine 1:11:49 half marathon.

Pete Jacobs, the 2012 Ironman World Campion, had a nice catered workout on his way to a 25th place pro finish.

Surfers play on glassy Oceanside waves as triathletes struggle though the run.

Julie Dibens led the race from the swim start through 2 miles of the run, then finished 4th. Welcome back after two years plus lost to injury!

Victor Debil-Caux of
France runs past two surfers.

Kevin Collington duels with Brent McMahon on the run. McMahon prevailed by 25 seconds for 5th place.

Jordan Rapp was having an off day but, as always, gave it all he had on the run.

On a day filled with stellar performances, Heather Wurtele's 1:17:56 run for the win was arguably the best.