Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, where a segment of the 70.3 Oceanside bike course takes place, is currently operating at safety level Bravo+. What does that mean for triathletes racing on March 28?
Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, where a segment of the 70.3 Oceanside bike course takes place, is currently operating at safety level Bravo+. What does that mean for triathletes racing on March 28? (Photo: Donald Miralle/Ironman)
Published March 5, 2026 04:55PM
For many triathletes, the appeal of racing Ironman 70.3 Oceanside in southern California is not the ocean swim or palm tree-lined run, but the bike: specifically, the section that winds through Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton. It’s a feature that requires diligent work by race organizers, Marine leadership, and city officials to ensure access to the secured military installation.
But as the United States engages in war with Iran, will that access or safety be compromised? The answer, according to representatives for Camp Pendleton, is no – for now.
“Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton is currently operating at Force Protection Condition (FPCON) Bravo+,” Second Lieutenant Natalia K. Rhodes of Camp Pendleton’s Communication Strategy and Operations tells Triathlete. “This posture reflects a sustained and appropriate level of vigilance based on ongoing threat assessments. Given the current FPCON level, there will be no impacts to Ironman Oceanside 70.3.”
“Bravo” is the third tier of the United States Department of Defense’s five-tier security ranking system, ranking from “Normal” (routine, general threats) to “Delta” (an imminent or completed terrorist attack). In other words, Camp Pendleton is currently operating at an elevated threat level, but not yet at a likely attack.
At last year’s 70.3 Oceanside event, Camp Pendleton was at FPCON Bravo, and the recent change to Bravo+ was officially declared on March 3, along with the suspension of the base’s Trusted Traveler Program, according to Marine Corps communications.
Force Protection Conditions (FPCONs) at Camp Pendleton, Ironman 70.3 Oceanside host
Rhodes tells Triathlete that “any adjustment to FPCON levels is determined by a continuous evaluation of credible intelligence, local conditions, Department of War guidance, and direction from United States Northern Command.” She adds, “The safety and security of our Marines, sailors, civilian personnel, families, and surrounding community remain a foremost 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. Though the race was canceled in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a closure of the Marine Corps base has never forced a cancellation or reroute of the bike course.
Even without an active war, 70.3 Oceanside has had an added layer of safety and security due to its route through Camp Pendleton. Spectators are not allowed on the base on race day, as this section of the bike course is closed to the public to ensure security. Athletes are also not allowed to pre-ride the Camp Pendleton segment of the course in the days leading up to the race.
Additionally, athletes must wear their official bib numbers on the bike for clear identification by security personnel. Though the 2026 race rules for Oceanside are not yet released, past editions have stated that “athletes must wear their Ironman 70.3 issued bib number on their back, clearly visible, at all times on the bike course.”
Athletes are also vetted through a mandatory in-person check-in, which allows for identity verification. For more 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.
