Ironman 70.3 dares Marbella to show its power
Enjoying sports in Marbella is not just about paddle, golf or hiking in the Sierra Blanca mountains. Marbella itself forms a five-star stadium for all kinds of practices, from the coast to its peaks. Last May, the city hosted one of the most eagerly awaited sporting events of the year: the Ironman 70.3. A world-renowned triathlon competition that has returned to the city for the fifth time, after its first edition in 2018.
Great Britain’s Nikki Bartlett took first place in the female category, while Germany’s Nicolas Mann took first place both in the male category and in the overall competition, completing more than 100 kilometres in less than four hours. Spain’s Jordi Montraveta took third place in the overall competition, while Jorge González was the first Marbella’s citizen to reach the finish line in 46th place. More than 1,500 triathletes from 65 different countries have met this year at Ironman 70.3 Marbella. he competition has also hosted the European TriClubs Championship, pitting triathlon clubs from all over the continent against each other.
113 kilometres to victory
Under the light of dawn, the competition kicked off after 7.30am with an exciting atmosphere full of energy. Hundreds of triathletes gathered at the start line on the Levante beach in Puerto Banús to start the three triathlon legs: the sea swim, the bike route and the run track.
Swim
The competition began in front of a spectacular view of the Mediterranean Sea and La Concha peak, with a 1.9-kilometre free swim race in the sea. Despite the currents and the low temperature of the water (aprox. 60 ºF), all the participants proved their hydrodynamic strength in the first and shortest phase of the circuit.
Cycling
After completing the swim, athletes continued on wheels in the most challenging phase of the triathlon. The cycling route joined 90 kilometres along the mountainous roads that link the towns of Marbella, Ojén, Monda, Coín and Cártama, starting from the Las Naciones Avenue in Puerto Banús, under the imposing La Victoria sculpture. A route between steep slopes and fast descents that tested the physical and mental strength of all participants.
Run
The final leg of Ironman 70.3 Marbella led athletes to the end along the western stretch of Marbella’s promenade. A stretch that passed by the Alanda Marbella Hotel and through which the runners had to complete three laps until they could cross the finish line in Puerto Banús. The heat and the exhaustion turned this last stage into a real challenge. However, the competitors did not give up and fought to the end, completing the last 21.1 kilometres of the triathlon. The common support among the athletes and the encouragement of the public created a true atmosphere of victory. The competition ended after 4.00pm with more than a thousand athletes completing the race.
Marbella is not the only home of this sporting event. Ironman 70.3 is a worldwide network of triathlon competitions well known in the sector, therefore reflecting the international prestige of the Costa del Sol for hosting major competitions in this and other sports, such as the golf Solheim Cup. Now, Marbella’s local government is working together with the Ironman Spain organisation to host the World Championships in 2025. A chance whose great winner would be the town itself, receiving around 6,000 international triathletes and generating an expected global income between 30 and 40 million euros.
This year Marbella is proud to announce the celebration of Iron Man Marbella 2024, which will take place on the 27th of October
This event promises to be as exciting and challenging as its predecessors, attracting athletes from all over the world to compete in this prestigious triathlon event. In addition, Marbella is gearing up with great anticipation to host the World Championships in November 2025, a milestone that not only underlines Marbella’s importance on the international triathlon circuit but also promises to bring global attention and recognition to this beautiful coastal town.
These events are further evidence of Marbella’s commitment to high-level competitive sport and its ability to host world-class events, reinforcing its position as a premier sporting destination.
