Limassol Marathon

Limassol Marathon
Date April 10th, 2016
Location Limassol, Cyprus, EU
Event type Road
Distance Marathon
Established 2006
Course records Official Website
Official site Official Site

The Limassol Marathon is part of an annual European race series which takes place in Limassol, Cyprus. It was first run in 2006 and the tenth anniversary marathon was held on 10 April 2016.[1] There are various races including a marathon, a half marathon, a 10 km health Race, a 5 km corporate race and a 1 km children’s fun run.[2][3]

Course & Difficulty

The OPAP Limassol Marathon GSO course is of a low degree of difficulty. The route has a total ascent of 161.07 m and has a maximum elevation of 28.51 m.[4] It is essentially a flat race with its unique characteristic being the long straight lines taking place along the scenic coastal road of Limassol.[5] The course begins at the center of the city and follows the Mediterranean coastline along the beachfront, to the ruins of the ancient Royal City of Amathus and back to the city.

Accreditation

The course has attracted both experienced runners looking to set a personal best time, as well as casual runners and corporate teams. The Marathon is recognized by the Association of International Marathons and Distance Races and the International Association of Athletics Federations.[6] Roads are officially closed to traffic throughout the entire length of the race and medical support is offered along the race course.[7][8] The full marathon begins 2 hours before the 10K and 5k.[9]

Classifications

Participation

In 2015 the Marathon attracted more than 10,000 participants from 50 countries, of whom about 15% came from abroad. Runners are mostly European but participation from Japan, US, Brazil, Australia, China and Turkey are very common.[10] The oldest runner in 2015 was Cypriot Andreas Pampakas, aged 78 with children as young as 5 years old participating as well.[11] In 2016, Argos Animal Sanctuary manager, Andrew Brown run the Marathon by wearing a dog costume in temperatures reaching 22 degrees as a PR stand to attract attention for the animal shelter.[12] In 2015, the organizing committee chairman Spyros Spyrou, said in an interview for Cyprus Mail that “Our goal and vision is to make the Limassol Marathon one of the most popular in Europe, a truly international event that can be embraced by the local community”.

Start & Finish

The start of the race is on the seafront of the Limassol promenade. The athletes head west to the Port of Limassol, passing by the streets “Christodoulou Hadjipavlou” and “Spyrou Araouzou” towards the roundabout at the Limassol Marina. The path continues towards the streets Kioproulouzate, Xelal Bazaar and the Avenue Franklin Roosevelt.

Facilities

References

External links

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