Lorraine Williamson
Marbella basked in the global spotlight this weekend as the 2025 IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship turned the Costa del Sol into a theatre of endurance, determination, and community spirit.
Thousands lined the streets, from Puerto Banús to the golden sands and winding inland roads, to cheer on the world’s elite athletes — and for many locals, it was a weekend they’ll never forget.
For me and my family, the experience was deeply personal. Alongside members of my daughter’s athletics club, Infinity Marbella, we volunteered at one of the crucial hydration and nutrition points for Saturday’s women’s race. The sun blazed over the Andalucian coastline as we handed out water, caffeine drinks, Coke, fruit, and ice to athletes who were pushing their bodies to the limit. What stood out most wasn’t just their athleticism, but their gratitude. Despite exhaustion, every runner managed a smile, a “thank you,” or a nod of appreciation.
Community power behind the race
Volunteers like us formed the heartbeat of this event. Children from Infinity Marbella darted between tables refilling cups and clearing empty bottles, while adults offered encouragement and high-fives. Each athlete who passed through our station carried their own story — of sacrifice, resilience, and hope. The crowd’s cheers seemed to carry them through every kilometre.
The energy was electric. Locals, visitors, and families all became part of a collective effort that stretched across Marbella. From logistics crews to medical teams and marshals, thousands worked in perfect synchrony to ensure the event’s success. And succeed it did — not just as a sporting competition, but as a celebration of what community spirit can achieve.
Lucy Charles-Barclay’s redemption run
At the centre of it all stood Lucy Charles-Barclay, the British triathlete whose victory became the emotional high point of the day. Her 4:14:54 finish marked not only her second world title, but a redemptive triumph after heartbreak in Hawaii last month.
“I had some angel wings out there today,” she said afterwards, dedicating her win to loved ones who had supported her through tough times. Her strength and determination resonated far beyond the professional circuit — inspiring volunteers, spectators, and fellow athletes alike.
Charles-Barclay dominated early in the swim, held her nerve against the formidable Taylor Knibb on the bike, and sealed her victory with a powerful final run. Knibb finished second, with Germany’s Tanja Neubert claiming third in her World Championship debut. The top five were rounded out by Britain’s Georgia Taylor-Brown and France’s Marjolaine Pierré, adding a distinctly European feel to the podium.
A Milestone for Marbella and Andalucia
Hosting the IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship for the first time, Marbella delivered a masterclass in hospitality and organisation. From the glittering waters of the Mediterranean to the hilly inland stretches, the course showcased the region’s stunning natural beauty and world-class infrastructure.
For Andalucia, the event was more than just a race — it was a chance to prove its capacity to host elite international sport while bringing local communities together. The city’s beaches, streets, and promenade transformed into arenas of endurance, echoing with cheers in multiple languages.
The spirit of volunteering
Back at our station, as the last of the runners passed and the sun began to lower, the sense of fulfilment was immense. We’d seen faces flushed with effort, heard laughter and tears, and watched strangers turn into teammates for a few fleeting seconds.
Every bottle handed out and every word of encouragement mattered. The children learned the value of teamwork and the power of support. And for us adults, it was a reminder that even behind the world’s toughest races, it’s the human moments that truly define the day.
A weekend that will be remembered
As the men prepared to take on the same gruelling challenge, Marbella’s streets remained alive with excitement. The 2025 IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship has been a triumph for sport, for Andalucia, and for everyone who played their part — from global champions to the smallest volunteer offering a cup of water with a smile.
Marbella didn’t just host an event this weekend — it created memories that will ripple far beyond the finish line.