Ironman 70.3 Marbella 2018

Marbella is the emblematic city of the Costa del Sol, as is well known and we have many times, Marbella logically offers a large number of clear, sunny days that welcome outdoor living. All this translates to Marbella being a city of reference for many outdoor sports, enjoyed by both its full time residents, its tourists and well as by professional teams that seek the best climate in preparation for the coming sports season. The city has achieved a high level of media coverage in the world of sport for 2018. Beginning this winter with the arrival of European football teams such as Liverpool English and Borussia Dortmund of Germany to the Marbella Football Centre facilities (located in San Pedro, near the border with Nueva Andalucía) to physically train. Marbella was also host to the Davis Cup playoffs between Spain and the United Kingdom last February on the Puente Romano courts located in the middle of the Golden Mile. Now we have another event joining this list, that of this weekend with the opening ceremony of the European calendar of ‘Ironman 70.3’ hosted in Marbella.

The first test of its kind held on the Costa del Sol, and has had a whopping 2,500 participants in its various categories from all over the world. Of the participants, aprox 80 make up a group of professional triathletes dedicated in body and soul to these extreme tests, and who in the public’s eyes represent authentic superheroes. Their most demanding training can be up to 8 hours a day with swimming, cycling and running. The rest of the participants are considered ‘amateur’ although most of them come from a great sporting background. The minimum preparation time for this type of test is between 6 or 8 months of training. A unique factor is that the majority of participants are middle aged, between 40 and 49 years old, with over 700 participants registered for this event. Although the real smiles and the most applause was raised for 4 very special participants; two women of 65 and 69 years and two men 70 and 74 years respectively, who were encouraged to participate in this tour of the Costa del Sol and various cities of Malaga.

The winner was British David MacNamee, who sprinted ahead of the American Chris Leiferman, which took place practically at the finish line. Both finished with the same time: 3h57: 47. As for Spanish representation; 8 PRO-Triathletes, the best was Albert Moreno who, after a great comeback in the half marathon finished sixth place, six minutes off the winner, all in the male category. In the women category the competition was dominated by the winner, Laura Phillip (4h25: 29), and the best Spanish participant was Judith Corachán, who came in fifth.

The athletes willing to challenge themselves began this event in Puerto Banus, swimming a distance of 1.9 kilometres in the Mediterranean Sea, with frontline Banus luxury yachts as spectators, as did many other fans who saw the event take place from their balconies and terraces from great properties that Marbella Unique Properties can offer.

Once finished the swimming phase, transition through the “Avenue of the United Nations”, next to luxury developments such as Playa Rocío and Los Granados, under the watchful eye of the statue of ‘La Victoria’ locally known as ‘the Russian statue’. Here participants grabbed their bikes and travelled 90 km with breath-taking scenery, crossing the entire Golden Mile (known worldwide as Marbellas most luxurious area, thanks to its frontline villas and two of the most historic hotels in the city: The Marbella Club Hotel and The Puente Romano Hotel). The tour continued to the centre of Marbella, going from the “Pirulí” to the “Puerto de Ojén” and ascending along the road of the “caracolillos” passing various locations such as Monda, Coín and Cártama. To finish this herculean test, the athletes returned to Marbella, and travel the last 21km on foot along the seafront. This tour was achieved in two laps, so they could enjoy the views of the beaches and the seafront twice, whilst admiring some of the most majestic homes on the Golden Mile, encouraged by fans as they made their last effort to reach the end point, right in the sand on Puerto Banús beach.

This Ironman 70.3 that was held for the first time in Marbella already ensured, its 2,500 entrances were taken several months in advance, and for the winners; 50 qualifying places for the 2018 World Championship in South Africa. Undoubtedly the memory that this event has given its participants is more than satisfactory, by taking place in a great location such is The Costa del Sol with its fabulous climate and biodiversity as well as providing a challenging circuit. We will not have to wait long for these athletes to return to our shores, as Marbella will host a further 3 more editions. So with a whole year to prepare for this test and at the same time visit Marbella and its lifestyle, do not hesitate to contact us to book your property and get to know the ins and outs of our beauitful city.