Nat Grainger powering through the Spanish mountains on her LIOS Javelin.
A World Stage in Andalucía
The 2025 IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship took place in the sun-drenched coastal city of Marbella, Spain, across the weekend of 8–9 November 2025. Over 6,000 athletes from more than 110 countries took to the start line, facing a course that demanded as much mental resolve as physical performance.
The format combined a 1.9 km open-water swim, a 90 km mountain bike leg, and a 21.1 km run. Each section pushing athletes to their limit against the backdrop of the Mediterranean.
The Road to Worlds - Pilot to Podium
Former Royal Navy pilot and LIOS Ambassador Nat Grainger earned her place on the world-championship start line after finishing second in her age group earlier this year in Holland, posting the fastest bike split of the day.
Her training build-up wasn’t straightforward. An ongoing right-leg injury limited her run training for nearly 18 months, so the goal for Marbella wasn’t a personal best — it was to execute a disciplined race, manage the injury, and earn that finisher’s medal.
“I knew I wouldn’t be at full run fitness, but one thing was certain - I was getting that medal, T-shirt, and finish-line moment.”
Swim: Cold, Rolling, Brutal
All smiles before entering the cold, rolling waves for the 1.9 km swim in the Mediterranean.
The swim started from Puerto Banús Beach, where competitors faced a rolling start into cold, choppy water at around 18 °C. It was a tough, unpredictable opener.
“Cold. Rolling. Brutal. 🤮 Everyone came out saying the same thing – ‘definitely slower than usual!’ I was just glad to get it done and out of the water.”
For Nat, survival and composure were key. She exited the swim ready to play to her strengths - the bike.
Bike: Climb, Descend, Hold On
Nat and her LIOS Javelin in action on the climbs above Marbella.
“T1 was quick - grabbed my rocket ship and hit the road 🚀
The course? Savage. Over 1,700 m of climbing in 90 km. It was all about pacing smartly, fuelling well, and keeping the ego in check on those early climbs.”
The bike leg was where Nat’s experience and equipment came together. Her LIOS Javelin triathlon bike was fitted with a LIOS 67mm carbon front wheel and a LIOS carbon disc rear wheel, delivering aerodynamic stability on the long climbs and control through the gusting crosswinds.
“Once we turned around, it was game on. The final 15 km descent into town was just unreal … I played a little game of ‘no brakes’ with myself … Holding 60 km/h average over 10 km and peaking at 80 km/h - the Javelin and LIOS disc were flying!”
Marbella’s mountainous course demanded precision and composure. Nat executed both, combining military-style focus with genuine enjoyment on the road.
Run: Strategy and Strength
Managing pace and injury through the run along Marbella’s seafront promenade.
After dismounting, athletes entered T2 in an underground car park – a unique feature of the event that added to its atmosphere. Nat stuck to her pre-planned pacing strategy:
“Five minutes run / one minute walk - that was the plan. My legs were toast from the bike, but it worked. I stayed in control, avoided flaring the injury and soaked up the amazing crowds.”
The run looped around Marbella’s waterfront, lined with supporters. It was less about speed and more about smart management - a measured finish to a tough day.
Finish: Proud and Resolute
Crossing the finish line in Marbella.
A World Championship medal earned.
“Crossed the line in one of my slowest ever 70.3 times, but probably one of my proudest finishes. I raced smart, managed the pain, and finished what I started. Onwards and upwards to 2026 season 🫶”
For Nat, the result wasn’t about the clock - it was about discipline, execution, and finishing strong. That mindset embodies what LIOS represents: engineered performance, endurance, and resilience.
Onwards to 2026
Nat Grainger’s IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship journey is more than a race recap. It’s proof of what preparation, strategy and performance-driven engineering can achieve.
Post-race reflection - Nat celebrating with her medal on Marbella beach.
