IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship Marbella

IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship Marbella: A Historic World-Class Event

Marbella is known worldwide for its luxurious lifestyle and mild climate, but this year the city gained an exceptional international spotlight. For the first time in history, the IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship was held in Marbella, an event that brought thousands of athletes and supporters to the Costa del Sol and had a huge economic and social impact on the region.

What does IRONMAN 70.3 mean?

The number 70.3 refers to the total number of miles (≈ 113 km) that athletes cover during a half triathlon:

1.2-mile (1.9 km) swim
56-mile (90 km) bike ride
13.1-mile (21.1 km) run

Together, they make up 70.3 miles, the distance used globally as the standard for this discipline. The World Championships are a one-day event, like the Road World Championships: this is the day the World Championships are decided. The many IRONMAN 70.3 races throughout the year also serve as qualifying races. Only those who perform well enough are allowed to participate in the World Championships.

A spectacular course around Puerto Banús and the mountains of Marbella

The World Championships in Marbella were a visual and sporting spectacle. Athletes started in the Mediterranean Sea, on the wide beach just next to the Puerto Banús marina, after which they took on the challenging bike course in the hills and mountains of Marbella. The running part then brought them back to the promenade and coastline.
The combination of sea, mountain scenery, and urban energy made this World Championship one of the most impressive editions of the IRONMAN 70.3 series ever.

A historic success for Belgian triathlon

The Marbella edition was made extra special by the performances of two top Belgian athletes:
⭐ Greg Van Avermaet – World Champion M40–44 Age Group
Former cycling champion Greg Van Avermaet, winner of several cycling classics and Olympic gold in Rio, won the world championship in the 40–44 age group.
His victory received considerable international attention and crowned his transition from professional cyclist to triathlete.
⭐ Jelle Geens – World Champion Elite Men
In the men's elite category, Jelle Geens took the world title, having also become world champion in New Zealand the previous year.
His victory in Marbella confirmed his status as one of the best triathletes of his generation.
This double Belgian world title made the 2025 Marbella edition extra memorable. They enthusiastically continue the tradition of other Belgian trialists such as Luc Van Lierde (two-time Ironman Hawaii and two-time world champion), and Frederik Van Lierde (not related) (two-time Ironman Hawaii). Other Belgians have also won an Ironman race.

7,000 participants and an economic impact of €60 million

With more than 7,000 participants and their entourage, the IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship was a big event for Marbella.
According to local reports, the championship generated an estimated economic impact of €60 million, thanks to hotel stays, hospitality, transport, shopping, and tourism.
The city was bustling for days: restaurants were fully booked, beach clubs were operating at full capacity, and the atmosphere along the course was phenomenal.

Why triathletes and supporters fall in love with Marbella

The event confirmed what many already know: Marbella is a paradise for sports enthusiasts and an ideal destination for those who love nature, luxury, and healthy outdoor activities.

Average 325 days of sunshine a year
Ideal for swimming, running, and all kinds of sports (Marbella and its surroundings are also the preferred location for the winter training camps of dozens of international football clubs)
A mix of beaches, mountains, and nature reserves
Top-notch fitness clubs, wellness centers, and training facilities
A safe and international community

Marbella as a lifestyle and real estate destination

During the championship, thousands of visitors discovered not only Marbella's sporting assets but also its residential qualities.
Popular residential areas such as Puerto Banús, the Golden Mile, Nueva Andalucía, Golf Valley, and Sierra Blanca demonstrated their full potential as places where luxury, nature, and sport converge. Modern villas, high-end apartments, and luxury resorts perfectly meet the needs of an active and international audience.

The IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship in Marbella was a historic event that brought international attention, economic growth and sporting pride to the city.
With two Belgian world titles, thousands of participants and an unrivalled atmosphere, Marbella once again proved that it is a top destination for sport, lifestyle and luxury.
Are you inspired by the IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship and want to discover what Marbella has to offer as a place to live, a second home or an investment destination?

Contact Costas & Casas today.
We will be happy to help you find your ideal home on the Costa del Sol, perfect for a life full of comfort, nature, sport and Mediterranean elegance.