British triathletes made their mark at the 2025 Precision Fuel & Hydration IRONMAN 70.3 World Championships in Marbella, Spain, where more than 6,300 athletes from 114 countries competed across two days of racing (November 8–9).
Three British athletes — Donald Brooks, Paul Lunn, and Natasha Harris-White — claimed age-group world titles, showcasing the strength of the UK’s amateur triathlon scene on one of the sport’s biggest stages.
Donald Brooks from Teignmouth dominated the M45–49 category with a time of 4:18:57, while Paul Lunn from Peterborough took victory in the M50–54 division in 4:33:05. In the women’s field, Natasha Harris-White from Henley-on-Thames won the F30–34 age group, finishing in 4:58:13.
The event saw 25 world titles awarded in total, with France topping the medal table with four champions. Switzerland, the UK, and the USA each celebrated three titles apiece. Switzerland’s Samuel Studer (M18–24) and Corina Hengartner (F45–49) claimed the overall Age-Group World Champion crowns with impressive times of 4:06:14 and 4:52:35.
There were standout performances across the age spectrum. France’s Juliette Lucet, aged 22, took the F18–24 win in 4:55:22, while 73-year-old Alexandra Dronkers claimed the F70–74 title, and Albert Dulac, aged 80, took the M80–84 win in an inspiring 7:33:08.
Former Olympic cycling champion Greg Van Avermaet proved his endurance credentials by winning the M40–44 category in 4:07:17 at his first IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship. Two-time IRONMAN world champion Michellie Jones of Australia also added to her legacy, taking the F55–59 crown for a second consecutive year.
Athletes began their challenge with a 1.9km swim in the Mediterranean Sea at Puerto Banús before tackling a 90km bike course through the rolling hills of Monda, Coín, and Ojén. The race finished with a 21.1km run along Marbella’s scenic promenade, culminating in a beachside finish under the Andalusian sun.
British Age-Group World Champions
Donald Brooks (M45–49) – 4:18:57
Paul Lunn (M50–54) – 4:33:05
Natasha Harris-White (F30–34) – 4:58:13
The 2025 IRONMAN 70.3 World Championships in Marbella not only celebrated elite endurance performances but also showcased the spirit and diversity of the global triathlon community, from rising young talent to seasoned age-group legends.
