Cozumel, MX — The Chankanaab Natural Park opened its doors to host the start of the Ironman 70.3 Cozumel 2025, which brought together more than 2,550 athletes from 59 countries, solidifying the island’s status as a world reference for sports tourism.
Representing Governor Mara Lezama Espinosa, the Director General of the Cozumel Parks and Museums Foundation (FPMC), Juanita Alonso Marrufo, fired the starting gun and reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to supporting international events that generate tourism promotion and direct economic benefits for the community.
“Cozumel is placed in the eyes of the world with every high-level sports competition. Athletes recommend our destination and that multiplies the arrival of national and foreign visitors,” emphasized Alonso Marrufo, while underlining the strategic alliance of the FPMC with the State Government to continue promoting this type of activity.
A Demanding Endurance Test
The competition began on Sunday morning at Chankanaab with a 1.9-kilometer swim, followed by 90 kilometers of cycling and a half-marathon of 21.1 kilometers, a format that makes the Ironman 70.3 one of the most demanding endurance tests in the world.
The event was also attended by the Deputy Director of Tourism for the municipality, Elías Farah Ceh; the representative of the Quintana Roo Tourism Promotion Council (CPTQ), Pablo Aguilar Torres; the Municipal Director of Sports, Erick Canul Be; and the Director of the Integral Port Administration of Quintana Roo (APIQROO) on the Island, Miguel Alonso Marrufo.
Memorable Finish for Mexican Athletes
The sporting event concluded memorably for Mexico, with its athletes repeatedly ascending the winners’ podium. In the men’s elite category, first place went to Rodrigo González, from Mexico City, with a time of 3:39:44. Second place was obtained by American Justin Riele (3:44:11) and third by Belgian Emmanuel Lejeune (3:45:26).
In the women’s elite category, Mexico made history by achieving a double: Cecilia Pérez took first place with a time of 4:11:06, while fellow Mexican Arlette González placed third (4:29:05). Second place went to American Kelly Barton (4:20:02).
With outstanding results and a festive atmosphere, the Ironman 70.3 Cozumel 2025 reaffirms the island as “The Sports Island,” a destination that combines nature, culture, and international-caliber competitions to attract sports tourism from around the world.
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