Lorraine Williamson
Marbella is preparing to host the Ironman 70.3 World Championship on 8 and 9 November 2025, a global sporting event that will draw thousands of athletes and spectators to the Costa del Sol. Alongside the excitement comes a series of Ironman Marbella 2025 traffic restrictions, with road closures and diversions across key routes from Puerto Banús to San Pedro Alcántara and inland towards Ojén.
Local authorities are urging residents to plan journeys in advance and check the municipal website, where an interactive map marks roads open to vehicles in white.
A race fuelled by Andalucian passion
This year’s championship carries the theme Pasión Andaluza, celebrating the warmth, colour and spirit of southern Spain. It is more than a race; it is a showcase of culture, endurance and emotion, set against sea views and mountain silhouettes. From the opening ceremonies to the finish line celebrations on Marbella’s beaches, the city is embracing its role on the world stage.
What athletes must endure — sea, mountains and sheer willpower
To understand the scale of Ironman 70.3, it helps to know what lies ahead for the 6,300 athletes from 114 countries. The challenge begins at sunrise with the ROKA swim, a 1.9km course in the Mediterranean Sea off Levante Beach in Puerto Banús. Athletes dive into calm, clear water while spectators line the shoreline, waving flags and ringing cowbells as the sun rises behind them.
From there, competitors transition to the 90km Zoot bike course — one of the most demanding on the Ironman circuit. Leaving the glamour of the Golden Mile behind, cyclists power inland towards Ojén along the A-355, tackling a gruelling elevation gain of 1,785 metres. The climb winds through olive groves and whitewashed villages before dropping towards Monda and Coín. After a technical descent, riders must face the climb again before racing back to T2 in Puerto Banús.
The final stage — the 21.1km HOKA run — is a two-loop course along Marbella’s promenade and Golden Mile. Runners pass beach cafés, luxury villas and cheering crowds as they head towards the jetty at Puerto Banús, surrounded by water on both sides. On clear days, Gibraltar and Morocco rise on the horizon. Exhausted, salt-streaked and cheered on by thousands, they head for the finish line at the water’s edge.
This year, more than 2,600 women will compete on Saturday, followed by over 3,600 men on Sunday. Around 120 professional triathletes will also be racing, with world champions and age-group competitors battling for titles and the final points of the 2025 IRONMAN Pro Series.
Our family behind the scenes
For many locals, this event is more than a spectacle — it is personal. My husband, daughter and I are volunteering over the weekend, helping where needed to support athletes and logistics. Our daughter, an athlete with Marbella Infinity, trains among young competitors who dream of reaching events like this. Being part of the volunteer team gives us a rare glimpse of the coordination behind each transition zone, water station and finish-line moment. It is an honour to contribute, even in a small way, to such a monumental effort.
Road closures and travel advice
The Ironman Marbella 2025 traffic restrictions will be in force from early Saturday until late Sunday. Parts of the promenade, Puerto Banús, Avenida Duque de Ahumada and sections of the A-7 will be closed. The inland route towards Ojén and certain access roads to San Pedro will also be temporarily limited. Drivers are encouraged to consult the interactive online map provided by Marbella Town Hall, where open roads are clearly marked in white. Some bus routes will operate on altered schedules.
Businesses prepare — residents adapt
Hotels, restaurants and shops are bracing for one of the busiest weekends of the year, with thousands of visitors arriving from Europe, North America, Latin America and beyond. For local businesses, Ironman brings a vital economic boost outside peak tourist season. Yet for those working, or caring for family members, the traffic diversions can be disruptive. Even so, pride often outweighs frustration. Hosting an event of this scale places Marbella alongside global destinations such as Nice, Lahti and Kona.
After the finish line
Once the final athletes cross the line and barricades are removed, normal life will resume — but the legacy will remain. Tourism boards expect global coverage to draw visitors long after the medal ceremonies end. Local sports clubs, including Marbella Infinity, hope the event will inspire a new generation of young athletes to take up triathlon, swimming, cycling or athletics.
For now, the city is waiting — a mix of anticipation, nerves and pride. If residents can plan ahead, embrace the restrictions and cheer from the sidelines, Ironman Marbella 2025 may become one of the defining moments in the city’s sporting history.