This was my first time photographing Ironman. Prior to covering the event, I spoke with a couple of photographers who had covered it previously. They gave me an insight on what to expect, look for, what to equipment to bring, etc. Their knowledge and researching previous events helped me tremendously. The bicycle leg of the race took place on an active military base, which I wasn't credentialed for so another member of the photo team covered that part of the race. I had to pack as lightweight as possible since I had to be mobile and quick to cover the swim and running legs of the race as well as the finish line. Seeing a small portion of what these athletes are capable of was inspiring to say the very least.
All photos taken March 28, 2026 in Oceanside, California.
2026 IRONMAN 70.3 OceansideOCEANSIDE, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 28: Abbie Sullivan of the United States prepares to compete in the swim portion of the 2026 IRONMAN 70.3 Oceanside on March 28, 2026 in Oceanside, California. (Photo by Melina Pizano/Getty Images)
2026 IRONMAN 70.3 OceansideOCEANSIDE, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 28: A detail view of the suite of Taylor Knibb of the United States prior to race the 2026 IRONMAN 70.3 Oceanside on March 28, 2026 in Oceanside, California. (Photo by Melina Pizano/Getty Images)
2026 IRONMAN 70.3 OceansideOCEANSIDE, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 28: Marc Dubrick of the United States (R) leads the swim portion of the 2026 IRONMAN 70.3 Oceanside on March 28, 2026 in Oceanside, California. (Photo by Melina Pizano/Getty Images)
2026 IRONMAN 70.3 OceansideOCEANSIDE, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 28: the 2026 IRONMAN 70.3 Oceanside on March 28, 2026 in Oceanside, California. (Photo by Melina Pizano/Getty Images)
2026 IRONMAN 70.3 OceansideOCEANSIDE, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 28: Ben Randall of the United States competes in the run portion of the 2026 IRONMAN 70.3 Oceanside on March 28, 2026 in Oceanside, California. (Photo by Melina Pizano/Getty Images)
2026 IRONMAN 70.3 OceansideOCEANSIDE, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 28: Matthew Collins of the United Kingdom competes in the run portion of the 2026 IRONMAN 70.3 Oceanside on March 28, 2026 in Oceanside, California. (Photo by Melina Pizano/Getty Images)
2026 IRONMAN 70.3 OceansideOCEANSIDE, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 28: Marc Dubrick of the United States competes in the run portion of the 2026 IRONMAN 70.3 Oceanside on March 28, 2026 in Oceanside, California. (Photo by Melina Pizano/Getty Images)
2026 IRONMAN 70.3 OceansideOCEANSIDE, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 28: Kristian Blummenfelt of Norway finishes first place in the 2026 IRONMAN 70.3 Oceanside on March 28, 2026 in Oceanside, California. (Photo by Melina Pizano/Getty Images)
2026 IRONMAN 70.3 OceansideOCEANSIDE, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 28: Sam Long of the United States (L) reacts after finishing the 2026 IRONMAN 70.3 Oceanside on March 28, 2026 in Oceanside, California. (Photo by Melina Pizano/Getty Images)
2026 IRONMAN 70.3 OceansideOCEANSIDE, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 28: Sam Appleton tenth place of Australia and Ari Klau eleventh place of the United States interact after the 2026 IRONMAN 70.3 Oceanside on March 28, 2026 in Oceanside, California. (Photo by Melina Pizano/Getty Images)
2026 IRONMAN 70.3 OceansideOCEANSIDE, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 28: Jason West of the United States reacts after finishing the 2026 IRONMAN 70.3 Oceanside on March 28, 2026 in Oceanside, California. (Photo by Melina Pizano/Getty Images)
2026 IRONMAN 70.3 OceansideOCEANSIDE, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 28: Taylor Knibb of the United States finishes first place in the 2026 IRONMAN 70.3 Oceanside on March 28, 2026 in Oceanside, California. (Photo by Melina Pizano/Getty Images)
2026 IRONMAN 70.3 OceansideOCEANSIDE, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 28: Taylor Knibb of the United States first place drinks water after the 2026 IRONMAN 70.3 Oceanside on March 28, 2026 in Oceanside, California. (Photo by Melina Pizano/Getty Images)
2026 IRONMAN 70.3 OceansideOCEANSIDE, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 28: (L-R) IRONMAN CEO Scott DeRue and Taylor Knibb of the United States first place interact after the 2026 IRONMAN 70.3 Oceanside on March 28, 2026 in Oceanside, California. (Photo by Melina Pizano/Getty Images)
2026 IRONMAN 70.3 OceansideOCEANSIDE, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 28: Jonas Schomburg of Germany second place, Kristian Blummenfelt of Norway first place and Casper Stornes of Norway third place stand on the podium after the 2026 IRONMAN 70.3 Oceanside on March 28, 2026 in Oceanside, California. (Photo by Melina Pizano/Getty Images)
2026 IRONMAN 70.3 OceansideOCEANSIDE, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 28: Solveig Løvseth of Norway second place, Taylor Knibb of the United States first place and Audrey Merle of France third place stand on the podium after the 2026 IRONMAN 70.3 Oceanside on March 28, 2026 in Oceanside, California. (Photo by Melina Pizano/Getty Images)