More than 14,000 runners from 85 countries will take part in the ninth Radisson Hotels Larnaka Marathon on Sunday, 15 November, a record turnout for one of the largest sporting events held in Cyprus. With its social and charitable character, the marathon has become an established fixture that promotes Larnaca abroad as a sports tourism destination, while also giving a boost to the town’s hotel industry and the wider local economy as thousands of athletes and visitors arrive this week. This year’s edition marks an expanded partnership with Radisson Hotels in Larnaca, with the Radisson Beach Resort joining the Radisson Blu Hotel next door, and introduces a redesigned marathon route that is flatter and runs more closely along the seafront, showcasing the town’s coastline and landmarks.
Races for every age and level
The programme includes the classic 42-kilometre marathon, the half marathon, a 10-kilometre race, individual and corporate 5-kilometre races and the one-kilometre McDonald’s Kids Race, giving runners of every age and level the chance to take part. Racing begins shortly before 7am with the start of the marathon and ends with the children’s race. The start and finish will be on the Finikoudes seafront, by the town hall and Europe Square. A highlight of the build-up came on Friday afternoon with the arrival in Larnaca of the flame of the Athens Authentic Marathon. The flame was received at Skylink Services’ private VIP terminal at the old airport and carried in a torch relay to the small amphitheatre at Finikoudes, where the lighting ceremony took place.
Accessibility and charity
The marathon continues to place particular emphasis on accessibility and social contribution. Wheelchair fencing champion Kelly Loufaki is this year’s VIP Athlete Ambassador, while the event will also host the Stoiximan Wheels of Change team, in collaboration with AbleBook and the Yparcho education and rehabilitation centre. Olympic and world gymnastics champion Lefteris Petrounias will join the team. The event also supports the work of the Miracle Babies association and continues its environmental initiatives through the Green Strides programme, with Bioland Energy Group as sustainability sponsor.
The registration centre will remain open today, Saturday, until 6pm at Larnaca Municipality’s multipurpose centre for social welfare and employment. For the safety of athletes, temporary traffic arrangements and road closures will apply on major roads in central Larnaca from 6am to 1pm on Sunday, and eight organised car parks will be available for participants and visitors.
