Ironman adds sixth Spanish race

Ironman announced the addition of Ironman 70.3 Marbella, their sixth race in Spain, this morning.

The new race will be held in Marbella, located on Spain’s “Costa de Sol”, a seaside town with a population of 140,000 in the autonomous community of Andalusia.

“All of us at city hall are excited to welcome Ironman to Marbella. This is an amazing opportunity for our city, as well as the whole region,” said José Bernal, Mayor of Marbella. “We are looking forward to showcasing our city’s hospitality to thousands of athletes from around the world, and are confident that Ironman can become a key factor in driving new visitors to the region.”

Situated on the Mediterranean Sea, Marbella is considered one of the most important tourist locations on the “Costa del Sol” and in southern Spain. Known for its crystal clear beaches, mild climate and spectacular location between Málaga and the Strait of Gibraltar, the city has been a popular destination since the 1970’s.

Ironman 70.3 Marbella will be the fourth Ironman 70.3 race in Spain, with the country previously hosting Nirvana Ironman 70.3 Mallorca, Club La Santa Ironman 70.3 Lanzarote and Ironman 70.3 Barcelona.

The race will begin with a single-loop 1,900m swim in the Mediterranean Sea and exits on the amazing Levante beach of Puerto Banús. The 90km bike starts in the famous “Gold Mile” before crossing through the city of Marbella and the Ojén Port before conquering the legendary “caracolillos” in this picturesque location. Athletes will then race through Monda, Coín and Cartama before returning to Transition in Puerto Banús. The two-lap run course will take place along the legendary seafront promenade of Marbella supported by the cheering spectators as they reach the finish line located in the sand of Puerto Banús Beach.

“Marbella is a captivating location and has become a household name in Europe. We are thrilled to have a race in this amazing location. The city and region offer a perfect touristic infrastructure and are easy accessible for national and international visitors,” said Hans-Peter Zurbruegg, Managing Director of Ironman Europe, Middle East and Africa. “With thousands of Spanish athletes at our existing races, Ironman 70.3 Marbella is an exciting addition for Spanish and international athletes alike.”

Ironman 70.3 Marbella will offer 50 age-group qualifying slots for the 2018 Ironman 70.3 World Championship being held in Nelson Mandela Bay, South Africa.