Countdown begins for the Larnaca marathon

On Sunday morning, thousands of runners from 85 countries will gather in Larnaca for the Radisson Hotels marathon. The event will take place on a renewed course this year, and total participation is expected to exceed 14,000.

According to the organizers, the race includes a 42-kilometer full marathon, a 21-kilometer half marathon, 10- and 5-kilometer road races, a 5-kilometer corporate race, and a 1-kilometer children's race. This year, Radisson Beach Resort has been included in the event together with Radisson Blu Hotel.

On Friday, the torch of the Athens marathon was received at the old Larnaca airport and taken from there to the theatre on Finikoudes beach. The event emphasizes accessibility and social responsibility. Wheelchair fencing champion Kelly Loufaki will take part as the VIP Athlete Ambassador. The Stoiximan Wheels of Change team will participate in cooperation with AbleBook and the 'Yparcho' education and rehabilitation center. Artistic gymnastics Olympic medalist and world champion Lefteris Petrounias will also accompany the team.

The marathon supports the 'Mora Thavmata' association for premature babies. The association provides equipment specific to newborn care, staff training and parental support. It also contributes to the expansion and renovation of the neonatal intensive care unit at Makarios Hospital in Nicosia.

On the environmental side, the event runs activities under the Green Strides program. The organizers state that since the marathon's start, it has been Cyprus's first green marathon. With sustainability sponsor Bioland Energy Group, the aims are to prioritize recycling, reduce carbon emissions and draw attention to the fight against climate change.