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
- Marathon: 42.195 kilometers (26.2188 miles) - Minimum age is 18 years old
- Half Marathon: Minimum age is 17 years old
- Petrolina 10Km Energy Race: Minimum age is 16 years old
- 5Km City Race: Minimum age is 16 years old
- PrimeTel 5Km Corporate Race: Minimum age is 16 years old
- McDonald’s 1Km Kids Race: 6 to 16 years old only
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
- Restrooms
- Refreshment Stations
- Athletic Stations
- Lockers
References
- ^ Time To Run Europe: Limassol Marathon turns 10
- ^ Limassol Marathon
- ^ Distance Running UK: Limassol Marathon GSO
- ^ Map My Run: Limassol Marathon
- ^ Marathon Runners Diary: Limassol Marathon
- ^ Run Infinity: Limassol Marathon GSO Results
- ^ Limassol marathon on Sunday 2014
- ^ My Next Run:OPAP Limassol International Marathon GSO
- ^ Marathon Guide: Limassol Marathon GSO & Half Marathon, 10K, 5K Limassol, Cyprus EU
- ^ Cyprus Mail: Limassol marathon growing in scope
- ^ President addresses runners in Limassol Marathon
- ^ Animal lover to run marathon in dog costume