September is quickly nearing its end, and October is showing signs of being yet another month with plenty in store. Although it will be a month of variety, there is already a get-up-and-go feel to it with runs and walks pulling us from our couches.
The hiking group The Cyprus Strollers will be back on the road on October 1, with their first hike of the season taking us over the Troodos mountain range at 11am. The hike, which is expected to last three hours, will start on the main road leading to Troodos square from Platres, and it involves several uphill and downhill sections.
Although the hike is not an easy one, it will provide a mesmerising walk in Nature. Along the way you will see pine trees, gold oaks, cherry trees and other trees along a path which will reflect the magnitude of the outdoor, natural world.
If you are interested in joining the hike, which will conclude with a tavern lunch, send an email to [email protected] by the Thursday before the walk. There will also be a car pool leaving from an open field in Archangelos in Nicosia at 9.15am for anyone who would like to make a social event out of the trip.
For more information go to https://cyprus-strollers.org/activities-description/troodos-prodromos-dam-walk-1-october/.
The next event on the agenda also takes us to Troodos, but now speeded up to a run.
The Buff Troodos Mountain Ultra 2017 run will take place on October 7. It includes a demanding 80km and 50km race through the rugged Troodos mountains, and also shorter distances of 25km and 10km. The 80km and 50km races follow a course up and down very challenging valleys.
The 25km Watercourse Whopper is a shorter but tough circular loop that finishes up a long, steep and winding river bed, while the 10km Troodos Trot will follow a circular route that takes in single-track trails, jeep tracks, open country and river beds.
The race has already attracted 120 entries from around the island and from abroad, with a last-minute flood of entries expected before registration closes at midnight on Sunday, September 24.
All races will start and finish at Troodos Square. Runners doing the 80km race will pass through the square twice, while those tackling the 50km race pass by once.
The Buff Troodos Mountain Ultra was born out of a desire to introduce runners from around the world to Cyprus. The race is organised by One Step Further Ltd, an outdoor activities company that organises a variety of activities for children and adults all over the island and abroad. The course is designed and managed by Cyprus Trail Runners.
For more information, and to register for a race, go to http://www.troodosultra.com/en/home/.
The last event on the fitness agenda is the Alphamega Run As One 5km corporate run which will take place on October 22 at 11am. The race will start and finish at the Alphamega supermarket in Engomi. In addition to the corporate run, a semi-marathon is also included in the programme, and there will also be a 5km and a 1km individual run.
The entry fee is €150 per team for early birds, those registering their participation until September 30, after which date it increases to €200.
The races will be in support of Alphamega’s Child, Nutrition and Health programme, aiming to promote the importance of balanced nutrition and create an individualised nutrition programme for 2,000 children, in collaboration with members of the Association of Dieticians and Nutritionists.
Cyprus Strollers
Take a stroll with the hiking club on the Troodos mountain range followed by lunch at a tavern. October 1. Car pool starting from Archangelos at 9.15am, hike starts at 11am. Tel: 97-613720
Buff Troodos Mountain Ultra
Mountain races. October 7. Troodos Mountain, Nicosia. 4am-7.30pm. €15/30/50/70. Register on http://www.troodosultra.com/en/home/. Tel: 96-513539
Run As One
Half-marathon race, a five-km road race and a one-km children’s race to support the Child, Nutrition and Health programme of Alphamega. October 22. Alphamega Hypermarket, Engomi, Nicosia. Half-marathon starts at 8.30am, other races start at 11am. Registration on https://www.alphamega.com.cy/
