The battle is on: last edition of IM 70.3 St. George promises fireworks

On Saturday, May 10, more than 90 of the world’s top professional triathletes head to Southwestern Utah to toe the start line at the Ironman 70.3 St. George North American Championship. The event will offer a maximum of 2,500 points towards Ironman Pro Series standings and a $75,000 event total pro prize purse. This year’s event will mark a finale in St. George following the announcement in December that it will be the last edition of the IM 70.3 race in St. George, Utah leaving a profound and positive legacy in the Land of Endurance.

Assembled in the women’s field is defending IM 70.3 St. George champion Paula Findlay (CAN), who will look to carry her good form into St. George after a season opening victory at the Ironman 70.3 Oceanside triathlon. Findlay has never finished lower than fourth at St. George, in four appearances, and has captured the women’s title twice (2024 and 2018). Also fresh off the podium in Oceanside will be 2024 IM Pro Series runner up and reigning IM European Champion Jackie Hering (USA). Another front runner will be third place finisher in the 2024 IM Pro Series, Lotte Wilms (NLD), making her season debut and first appearance in St. George. 2022 Ironman World Champion Chelsea Sodaro (USA) will also make her debut appearance for the season.  

American Danielle Lewis, who finished sixth in the 2024 IM Pro Series and took her first IM win in Lake Placid last year, and five-time Ironman 70.3 winner, Tamara Jewett (CAN) will also head to St. George, each following recent performances at the IM Texas triathlon. For Jewett this was an Ironman debut and her resulting sixth place moved her up to fourth in this year’s IM Pro Series standings.

Other challengers on the women’s side include Kaidi Kivioja (EST), who finished a strong fifth in Oceanside several weeks ago, Lisa Becharas (USA), Jocelyn McCauley (USA), Danielle Fauteux (CAN) and Rachel Zilinskas (USA).

On the men’s side, Sam Long (USA) returns to defend his title in St. George. A consistent performer in Southwestern Utah, Long has topped the podium three times across six appearances in St. George. Lionel Sanders (CAN), who also brings three wins across six appearances in St. George, will head into race weekend with an impressive win in Oceanside behind him. Magnus Ditlev (DNK) is poised for another stellar performance following his season opening victory at the Ironman South Africa African Championship in late March. 26-year-old Ben Hamilton (NZL), who finished in second place here in 2024, enters his fourth race of the year and currently sits eighth in the IM Pro Series standings.

Not to be counted out are the likes of Jackson Laundry (CAN), Jake Birtwhistle (AUS), Cameron Wurf (AUS), Justin Riele (USA), Marc Dubrick (USA), Trevor Foley (USA), and Seth Rider (USA).

Below are the professional start lists (subject to change):