Volunteers helped make the fourth Cozumel Ironman endurance competition a huge success, last weekend. Locals and visitors to the island gave up their time to support official event staff, as over 2,600 athletes from more than 70 countries swam, cycled and ran past the cheering crowds.

Cozumel Ironman 2012.

Among the volunteers was a team from local watersports experts, De Lille Sports, who supported the swimmers from stand-up paddle boards.

One of their members, Jodi Quinn, said she loved volunteering to be a part of Ironman and enjoyed helping the athletes on the swimming stage.

Volunteer support team.

She told This is Cozumel, "The water that day was rough, the current, wind and with the sun rising, the athletes needed direction in the water as the buoys were real hard to spot ... it was a wonderful feeling knowing that we really helped".

Other support staff and volunteers included lifeguards, scuba divers, water providers, Waverunner riders, ambulances with crew, medical staff, and even members from the local Mexican Navy.

Competition was fierce among the Iron men and women, as they swam 2.4 miles (3.8 km), cycled 112 miles (180 km) and ran 26 miles (42 km) round the island to the finish line downtown.

At the end of a tiring and emotional day, it was Iván Raña from Spain who won the men's race, in an astounding time of 8 hours, 15 minutes and 7 seconds. Over in the women's race, Mary Beth Ellis from the United States was the first through the tape, with an equally impressive time of 9 hours, 15 minutes and 38 seconds.

Winners on the podium.

Every single one of the competitors that took part deserves a hearty pat on the back, along with all of those that helped organize such an inspiring race.

When everyone has got their breath back, training can start for Cozumel Ironman 2013 next December 1st. If you're ready for the challenge, registrations are open now!