The fun times are often worth more than performances

Ironman 70.3 World Championships 2025

One must never forget that you chose to do this, for fun. Sure, times, placings, statistics are a good motivator, but the mind and body has a habit of altering any best laid plan. Make memories, live the moment, it’s not every day that you get the opportunity to race within the razzmatazz that is an Ironman World Championships.

The ‘journey’ is a not an easy one. Qualifying demands an ‘A’ game performance and a little bit of luck.

Staying fit and healthy for over a year is tough, it may not happen, but this is an event like no other, a special celebration of achievement, a victory lap so to speak that rewards the weeks, months and years of hard work, dedication and sacrifice.

Ironman know how to put on a show. The event was huge, over 5,500 competitors from 80+ nations, making this a truly global spectacle.

Two races of equal excitement, ladies Saturday, men Sunday, pro athletes gunning for a win, where a winner couldn’t be called. We were treated to two nail biting, edge of seat races.

It’s rather humbling competing on this stage, racing alongside pro athletes. The phenomenal times achieved by both pro athletes and top ranking amateurs just proves the sports underlying pedigree, you want a competitive field, you’ll get that at the World Champs!

Travelling as a group, especially with the Turbos is just so special. Like minded individuals who take enjoyment from supporting others are the people to surround yourself with. I personally may not have had the race I set out to complete, but seeing the results of others in the face of adversity is the memory I’m taking away from the weekend. I had fun, I soaked in an atmosphere, I smiled in the face of pain and celebrated achieving completion of a goal I’d set out - finish with a smile, no matter what.

I’ve said it before, if the opportunity arrives and your name is read out, take the slot. Life has a habit of throwing in unpredictability, you don’t know what’s on the horizon, but you can create a direction.

Thanks to those with me, new friends, old friends, sharing the experience, sharing a giggle and sharing happy times.

Marbella Ironman 70.3 - synopsis

Location: Puerto Banùs, Spain
Flights from all major London airports makes Malaga an easy destination, relatively cheap and all budgets catered for.

Puerto Banùs is 50mins by car away from the airport, and many hotels, AirBnB’s supplying residency. The area is typical of southern Spain, warm, cooler evenings this time of year, and a Mediterranean Sea that is not so cold.

The Ironman course is a true test. Variable sea conditions, even between start and end waves mean you’re already facing the challenge before you start with the hills. The bike course is a tough one, heat, winds and hills, some that seem to just go on for ever. The run course a mix of terrain, with a few added kickers to keep it honest. Don’t expect to walk away with a pb, but do expect to feel proud you’ve raced one of the harder courses on the circuit.