Half Marathon Run in Nicosia

The capital Nicosia buzzed with marathon excitement today. Thousands of people took part in the Ülker Nicosia Half Marathon, supported by the Nicosia Turkish Municipality. According to a statement from the municipality, the start of the 21 kilometre category was given at 07:00 by Mayor Mehmet Harmancı. A total of 153 athletes competed on the 21 kilometre course.

Now in its 14th year, the event carried the slogan "We Run Heart to Heart." The programme included 5, 10 and 21 kilometre races, a children's run and a 4 kilometre community run. The races started in sequence throughout the morning.

The proceeds from the marathon will be donated to support the families of those who lost their lives in the ship disaster off Kyrenia on 30 August. In this respect, the event also carried a message of solidarity.

President Tufan Erhürman and his wife Nilden Bektaş Erhürman were among those who took part in the run. Republican Turkish Party Leader Sıla Usar İncirli also joined the marathon with her husband and was warmly greeted by citizens. The Social Democracy Party also drew a large turnout to the event under the message "We Run for a Better Future."