FOR THE twelfth consecutive year runners from all over the world will compete in the Cyprus marathon, half marathon and the 10km which will be held in Paphos tomorrow.
According to the race director, Stavros Kakourides, 375 participants have already signed up to take part in the three events.
“We have purposefully left a number of places open in each category to ensure that runners who have not already registered will be able to sign up on the day,” he said. “This happens every year and we are expecting to have four hundred people taking part this year.”
The successful event attracts amateur runners from all over the world and this year is no exception.
Kakourides said: “We have Cypriots taking part as well as runners from many other countries such as Canada, the UK, Germany and Belgium.”
The race director said that most of the participants are amateur runners and many of them will be raising money for charity. But there are also a number of athletes running in each category who will be attempting to win the race or finish with a personal best.
“More than fifty per cent of the participants are from abroad and many combine competing in the run with a holiday here in Cyprus and are accompanied by their families,” he said.
More than 100 marshals will line the course and food stands will be available every 3km.
“We will serve water and electrolytes along the course and for the marathon runners there will also be oranges and bananas available.”
Kakourides added that all participants will be offered fruit, soft drinks and beer at the finish line, and this is all provided for free as funds are used from participants entrance fees.
Each runner to complete their category will also be given a t-shirt and a medal to commemorate the event.
Paphos has experienced a bout of bad weather over the last few days with low temperatures, thunder and hail stone storms, torrential rain and high winds.
“According to weather reports the weather should be improved by Sunday. Weather forecasters are predicting sunshine and a temperature of 18 degrees .I hope this is the case as bad weather will make it difficult not only for the runners but also for all of us working at the races,” said Kakourides.
The race director added: “We would like to welcome all runners who have already registered and the numerous spectators who continue to support us year after year. We would like also to thank all of our sponsors and also the Paphos Municipality,who, as always, are providing their invaluable services towards this increasingly popular running event.”
Entrance fees to the three races are, 22 Euros for the 10km, 29 Euros for the half marathon and 35 Euros for the marathon.
Programme of events Sunday March 13th – Paphos castle square
7:00 am – Marathon runners will be transferred by buses to the start (Petra tou Romiou – Birthplace of Aphrodite) of the Marathon race. The buses will be parked in the harbour.
8:00 – 9:00 am – Pre-race Music (Paphos castle square).
8:20 – 8:30 am – Countdown to the start of the Marathon distance
9:05 – 9:15am – Countdown to the start of the Half Marathon distance.
9:20 – 9:30am – Countdown to the start of the 10 km Road Race.
10:05am – Estimated time for the return of the 10 km runners.
10:25am – Estimated time for the return of the Half Marathon runners.
11:00am – Marathon estimate time to finish.
11:30– 12:30 – Traditional Greek and Cypriot music and dances.
12:30 – 13:30- Presentation of trophies to category winners of each event.
Registrations for all three races and can be made either by filling in the entry form attached on the printed race programme or on-line https://www.cyprusmarathon.com/registration.htm
The event is sponsored by Cyprus Tourism Organisation, Constantinou Bros Hotels, Constantinou Bros Developers, PSA Autoline, Tell-Me-First, PrimeTel PLC, Cyprus Airways, FOTOKINISI and Laser Graphics Ltd.
