More than 13,000 runners from 85 countries are to participate this year in the 8th Radisson Blu Larnaka International Marathon, which will take place on 16 November, along the Finikoudes seafront avenue. Runners of all ages will take part in the popular sporting event.
Speaking at a press conference held at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Larnaca, Mayor Andreas Vyras (pictured above) said that, when this event was launched, it could not have been be imagined that “it would evolve to the point of hosting thousands of runners from dozens of different countries”. “The Marathon is not only a sporting event but also a cultural and tourism event that promotes Larnaca internationally,” he added.
Within just eight years, he said, “the Marathon has placed the city of Larnaca on the global map of major sports events and has become one of the largest - if not the largest - sports events in Cyprus.”
Makis Nicolaou, General Manager of the Radisson Blu Hotel, noted that “the Radisson Blu Larnaka International Marathon began in 2017 and has become a point of reference not only for Larnaca but for the whole of Cyprus”. He added that last year the event attracted more than 12,000 runners from 85 countries.
Constantinos Daltas, Executive Director of the Radisson Blu Larnaka International Marathon, said that “in its eighth year, the Larnaka Marathon continues to inspire and unite people of all ages and backgrounds”.
He noted that this year’s event “is expected to set a new attendance record, with more than 13,000 runners from 85 countries, and a national record participation in the Marathon race, “with over 1,000 marathon runners” taking on the main race.
Special mention was made about Georgia Kaltsi, a member of the PASKA wheelchair basketball team and life coach instructor, who will participate in the Marathon this year. After a serious car accident 10 years ago, she redefined her life through sports and action, representing the power of will.
During the conference, a video tribute was shown about AbleBook, which, led by its founder Andreas Vassiliou, will participate for the sixth consecutive year in the Radisson Blu Larnaca International Marathon, together with the YPARXO Education and Rehabilitation Center, with the goal of reaching 100 participants.
During the press conference, organisers also unveiled the official Larnaka Marathon medal, a creation by Cypriot artist Theodoros Kakoullis.
