The Radisson Blu Larnaka International Marathon is set to take place on Sunday, 16 November, welcoming more than 10,000 participants from over 80 countries taking part in the highly-anticipated sporting event.
Andreas Spyrou, Business Development Director, Eleven Blue Events, recently spoke to CBN to share his thoughts on how the Radisson Blu Larnaka International Marathon has evolved and why this year's happening is different.
Among other things, he also talks about the special events organised as part of the Marathon and why initiatives such as the Radisson Blu Larnaka International Marathon are so important for Cyprus.
How has the Radisson Blu Larnaka International Marathon evolved since its inception, and what makes this year’s edition stand out compared to previous years?
The Radisson Blu Larnaka International Marathon is a true success story for the city and community of Larnaka. It has evolved into one of the most recognisable and successful running events in the wider Eastern Mediterranean region, attracting hundreds of international runners. What began as a small yet ambitious initiative has grown tremendously through strategic planning, the steadfast support of the City of Larnaka, and remarkable resilience in the face of unprecedented challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic.
In 2025, we proudly surpassed the milestone of 1,000 participants in the Marathon Race—an achievement that would have seemed unimaginable just a few years ago.
What can we expect from this year’s Radisson Blu Larnaka International Marathon? Will it include any special events?
The 2025 Radisson Blu Larnaka International Marathon promises an enhanced experience on a technical and organisational level. Participants will benefit from upgraded facilities, improved runner support, and a more efficient overall structure.
We also expect a strong presence from the international running community, which will serve as an enthusiastic ambassador for both the city of Larnaka and Cyprus as a whole.
Furthermore, this year we are introducing the official after-party of the event, which will take place at the rooftop of the Radisson Blu Hotel on Sunday, 16 November, from 5pm to 10pm.
How many people do you expect to participate in this year’s marathon?
We anticipate welcoming over 10,000 participants in total—a record-breaking year for all individual races. As mentioned earlier, surpassing 1,000 runners in the Marathon Race marks a national record and a testament to our continuous improvement in both technical and organisational aspects.
Specifically, we expect:
• More than 2,000 runners in the Half Marathon,
• Around 1,500 participants in the 10K Race, and
• Over 5,000 participants in the Corporate Race.
From which countries do you expect international visitors for the marathon?
Thanks to consistent and targeted marketing efforts across strategically chosen destinations, we’ve achieved outstanding results in attracting international participants. We expect over 2,000 international runners, accompanied by a significant number of supporters and companions.
The main countries of origin include the United Kingdom, Israel, Germany, Austria, Poland, Lebanon, and Greece, with total representation from more than 80 countries.
How important do you believe events such as the Radisson Blu Larnaka International Marathon are for Cyprus?
Events like the Radisson Blu Larnaka International Marathon are of great importance to Cyprus. On a commercial level, they stimulate local economies during periods when tourism typically slows down.
On a social level, they promote a culture of sport, health, and volunteerism. The running community in Cyprus has expanded dramatically since the introduction of major marathon events, fostering a spirit of participation and solidarity.
Finally, the promotion of Cyprus as a sports destination may be the most valuable outcome. Thousands of international runners visit to compete—and in doing so, they also explore, experience, and fall in love with our island.
