Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, where a segment of the 70.3 Oceanside bike ride is located, is currently operating at a Bravo+ safety level. What does this mean for triathlons on March 28?
Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, where a segment of the 70.3 Oceanside bike ride is located, is currently operating at a Bravo+ safety level. What does this mean for triathlons on March 28? (Photo: Donald Mirale / Ironman)
Updated March 6, 2026 12:51PM
For many triathletes, the appeal of racing Ironman 70.3 Ocean Beach In Southern California, it’s not swimming in the ocean or running through palm trees, it’s biking: specifically, the part that runs through Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton. This is a feature that requires serious work by race organizers, marine management and city officials to ensure access to protected military installations.
But as the United States is engaged in it war with IranWill this compromise access or security? The answer, according to Camp Pendleton representatives, is no — not yet.
“The Marine Corps base is Camp Pendleton is currently in effect in Force Protection Conditions (FPCON) Bravo+,” says Second Lt. Natalia K. Rhodes of Camp Pendleton’s Communications and Operations Strategy. Triathlete. “This position reflects a sustained and appropriate level of vigilance based on current threat assessments. Given the current level of FPCON, Ironman Oceanside 70.3 will not be affected.”
Bravo is number three in the United States The Department of Defense’s five-tier security rating systemcategorization from “Normal” (usual, common threats) to “Delta” (imminent or completed terrorist attack). In other words, Camp Pendleton is currently operating at a high threat level, but not yet under potential attack.
At last year’s 70.3 Oceanside event, Camp Pendleton was at FPCON Bravo, and as reported, the latest change to Bravo+ was officially announced on March 3 along with the suspension of the base’s trusted tour program. Marine Corps Communications.
Force Protection Conditions (FPCONs) at Camp Pendleton, host of Ironman 70.3 Oceanside
Rhodes says Triathlete that “any adjustments to FPCON levels will be determined by ongoing assessment of reliable intelligence, local conditions, guidance from the War Department, and guidance from the United States Northern Command.” He added, “The safety and security of Marines, sailors, civilian personnel, families and the surrounding community remains a top priority.”
Access to Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton during Ironman 70.3 Oceanside
Camp Pendleton has been a staple of the Oceanside 70.3 course since its inaugural race in 2000. Although the race was canceled in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the closure of the Marine Corps base never forced the cancellation or rerouting of the bike.
Even without active warfare, 70.3 Oceanside had an extra layer of safety and security due to its route through Camp Pendleton. On the day of the race, spectators are not allowed in the base as this part of the cycling course is closed to the public for safety reasons. Athletes are also not allowed to ride on the Camp Pendleton segment in the days leading up to the race.
In addition, athletes must wear their official bib numbers on the bike to be identified by security personnel. Although the rules for the 2026 race for Oceanside have not yet been released, previous edition stated that “athletes must wear their Ironman 70.3 bib number on their back clearly visible at all times on the bike course.”
Athletes are also screened through a mandatory identity check, which allows for identity verification. For more information on the Ironman 70.3 Oceanside course, check out Andy Potts’ Race Recon article: Everything you need to know about the Ironman 70.3 Oceanside course.
