Limassol Marathon

The Limassol Marathon is part of an annual European race series which takes place in Limassol, Cyprus. It was first introduced in 2006. The event features a number of races over two days, including a marathon.

The marathon is recognized by the Association of International Marathons and Distance Races and the International Association of Athletics Federations.

History
In 2015, the Marathon attracted more than 10,000 participants from 50 countries, of whom about 15% came from abroad. Runners are mostly European however, participation from Japan, US, Brazil, Australia, China and Turkey is very common. The oldest runner in 2015 was Cypriot Andreas Pampakas, aged 78 with children as young as 5 years old participating as well.

The thirteenth run was held on 23 and 24 of March 2019.

Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the 2020 and 2021 in-person editions of the race were merged into one event scheduled for the weekend of 2021.11.28, with all registrants given both the option of transferring their entry to a future event, as well as the option of also running the race virtually for free.

Course
The OPAP Limassol Marathon GSO course is of a low degree of difficulty. The start of the race is at the center of the city on the seafront of the Limassol promenade and follows the Mediterranean coastline along the beachfront, to the ruins of the ancient Royal City of Amathus and back to the city. 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.

Roads are officially closed to traffic throughout the entire length of the race and medical support is offered along the race course.

Other races
Aside from the marathon, the event also features a half marathon, a 10 km energy Race, a 5 km city race, a 5 km corporate race and a youth race

The full marathon begins 2 hours before the 10K and 5k.

Marketing
Limassol Marathon official song of the event is called Ladies & Gentlemen (Limassol Marathon Version) it was created in 2014 by the Greek music band S.M.Fusion and was released from the record company Sugar Faktory for the 10th edition of the Limassol Marathon.

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.

Winners
Key: Course record (in bold)