By Maria Gregoriou
There will be lots of eating going on next week – it may have already started for some – so to be sure to have a clean conscience while eating all things sweet, why not sign up to run in the Limassol International Marathon GSO marathon coming up in April.
Yes, April may seem far, far away but registration has already started and it might be a good idea to take these few months to warm-up by having a little bit of a test run. Plus the first 500 early birds get 40 per cent off the participation fee.
There is really something for everyone, from the very fit to those of us who want to get fit. You can run the marathon, the half marathon, the ten km health run, the five km city run, the five km corporate run and the kids have their very own one km run.
The course of the marathon is of a low degree of difficulty. It is essentially a flat race along a long straight line. The greatest part of the marathon will be along the coastal road of greater Limassol, so you can also soak-up the sun and breathe in some sea-air, in preparation for summer.
The race’s altitude reaches 18 metres at the 12th km in Ayios Tihonas, changing direction from east to west and beginning the return part of the course on the other side of the coastal street, beginning with a light incline leading to the centre of Limassol.
Following the course to the city centre, runners will pass the starting point on 28th October Avenue heading towards the historical centre of Limassol, almost at sea level.
For those wanting to take part in the half marathon, it is also considered to be of low difficulty and a race on a long straight, flat line.
The ten km health race – also with a low degree of difficulty and a run on a flat, straight line – will follow the same route as the marathon up until the five km mark at which there will be a turn of 180 degrees in the opposite direction. Runners will then return to the finish line which is at the same point as the starting line.
The five km city race also following the same route as the marathon up until the two and a half km mark, where you will be directed in the opposite direction and end up at the finish line.
Now, as for the five km corporate race, it is a great opportunity to run with employees from a number of companies. While getting some exercise, getting rid of some stress, and perhaps getting started on your tan, you may also get some networking done on the run.
Children are divided into three age groups, one from six to nine-years-old, one from ten to 13-years-old, and one for 14-16-years old. It might be a short and easy run, but it will get them on their way to becoming sporty people who may choose to run a whole marathon one day.
The organisers are also bragging of lots of parallel events, including music and performances by dance groups and bands and much more.
Limassol Marathon GSO
Run in the marathon, half marathon, 10km health race, 5km city race, corporate race or the 1km race for kids. April 10. 38 Omonias Avenue (promenade) Limassol. Marathon: 7.30am, other races at 9am. €60-30. Tel: 25-880100
