More than 14,000 runners are expected to take part in Sunday’s Radisson Hotels Larnaca Marathon, with city centre hotels fully booked as the event brings thousands of international visitors to the city.
Organisers expect record participation this year, with 3,000 runners arriving from 85 countries. More than 1,000 athletes are expected to compete in the full marathon.
Marios Polyviou, chairman of the Larnaca branch of the Cyprus Hotel Association (PASYXE), told Phileleftheros that all hotels in the city centre were fully booked because of the event.
Most international participants are travelling from the United Kingdom, Israel, Poland, Greece, Romania and Germany.
“Most will stay for two to three days, but events like this help the local economy, particularly at this time of year when tourist arrivals decline,” Polyviou said.
He added that visitor numbers in Larnaca this month had been satisfactory, although tourism activity remained subdued.
Road closures and race programme
Preparations are under way for Sunday’s event, with several roads across Larnaca set to close, including the Finikoudes seafront.
Larnaca Municipality has announced the roads affected by the closures.
The race programme includes the full marathon (42.195km), half marathon (21.0975km), 10km race, 5km race and 5km corporate race.
It will also feature the McDonald’s Kids Race, a 1km event described by organisers as the largest children’s running race in Cyprus.
Olympic champion among event guests
Olympic gymnastics gold medallist Lefteris Petrounias is expected to attend the event in Larnaca.
Paralympic fencing medallist Kelly Loufaki will serve as VIP Athlete Ambassador.
Stoiximan will also promote inclusion through its Wheels of Change team, working with AbleBook and the Yparcho Education and Rehabilitation Centre.
The marathon will support the Mora Thavmata (Miracle Babies) Association as part of its charitable activities this year.
Its environmental programme, Green Strides, will also continue with support from Bioland Energy Group.
The initiative includes beach clean-ups and recycling activities involving runners, volunteers and visitors.
