Limassol Marathon GSO is pulling out all the stops for its 11th anniversary race on Sunday 19th March 2017. Rather than sitting back and letting the location’s stunning natural assets sell the race, the organisers have put in place plenty of incentives to ensure that athletes of all ages and abilities can enjoy this popular international event.
It goes without saying that Cyprus’ beautiful climate, spectacular coastal scenery and plentiful history and culture play a large part in attracting 13,000 participants each year to Limassol Marathon GSO. Taking place on the spectacular coast road of greater Limassol, the event’s flat, fast and straight course provides a great opportunity to run a PB. Runners can enjoy magnificent views and a refreshing sea breeze as the course stretches for 21K alongside the sparkling Mediterranean, reaching a maximum altitude of 18m. For first-time marathon runners as well as club runners and elite athletes, the appeal is clear.
There is much more to Limassol Marathon GSO than its enviable location, however. One of the great advantages of this annual sporting event is that it offers a range of race distances on the same day. In addition to the full and half marathons, there is a Petrolina 10K Energy Race, a 5K City Race, a PrimeTel 5K Corporate Team Race and a 1K Kids Race. Together these races offer a complete sporting experience for all ages and abilities, which is very much embraced by the thousands of participants and spectators who gather at the start line to cheer the contestants on.
For overseas visitors, this choice of races makes Limassol Marathon GSO highly appealing. It means that runners can bring their friends and family, and each enter the race most suitable to them; it also makes Limassol an attractive option for running clubs who can visit as a group of mixed abilities and ages.
With a 50% discount on the race registration fee and exclusive group packages that include accommodation and race day support, Cyprus’ largest sporting event is a highly attractive option for running clubs wishing to race overseas whilst enjoying a fantastic weekend away. The exclusive packages can be booked for any length of stay and are designed to provide a hassle-free and high quality race experience for athletes and their families.
The packages include: discounted race registration fee; the lowest accommodation rates (including immaculate 3-star hotels, luxury 5-star hotels and family-friendly options) with half board or full board options; transportation to the start line; the official Limassol Marathon T-shirt and race packs delivered to the hotel on arrival. All packages can be booked in easy steps via the event website, www.limassolmarathon.com/packages.php .
The timing of Limassol Marathon GSO also makes it one of the most attractive overseas running events. Taking place mid-March means that runners will not only enjoy pleasant spring temperatures of 9-17⁰ C, but they can take advantage of cheap winter flights from a number of UK and European airports. For those from more northern European countries, it makes for a welcome post-winter escape and is an ideal goal for winter training.
Limassol Marathon GSO has seen a surge in registrations following the launch of their #weadvance campaign earlier this summer, which confirmed three major changes for the 2017 race including an increase in the winners’ cash prizes, trophies for the male and female age category winners and a new start time of 7.30am for the Marathon, Half Marathon and Petrolina 10K Energy Race.
For a race that is fully accredited by AIMS, the Association of International Marathons and Distance Races, Limassol Marathon GSO is a race of the highest international standards and proof that Cyprus is so much more than a beach holiday destination.
Limassol Marathon GSO Race Director Andreas Spyrou commented: “We are extremely excited about the 2017 Limassol Marathon GSO as we are taking significant measures to ensure that it is the best event yet, and one that can be ranked amongst the best races in the world. We want to make it an inclusive event for all levels of runner and so athletes can choose from six different races and join in the friendly, celebratory atmosphere whatever their ability.
“We also appreciate that many athletes will be visiting from abroad and we have negotiated special rates for hotel packages to enable them to make the most of their time in Cyprus. Being able to spending a few days enjoying the food, weather, culture, ancient ruins and first-class facilities makes Limassol a fantastic sporting destination with mass appeal. We are looking forward to welcoming athletes from all over the world and showing them all that the island has to offer.
“Entries for the 2017 marathon, half marathon and other races are open and we would encourage runners to secure their place as soon as possible.”
An early bird discount for individual race entry is available until 30th November 2016 with a 40% discount. Early bird registration fees are €36 for the Marathon, €27 for the Half Marathon, and €18 for both the Petrolina 10K Energy Race and the 5K City Race.
Go to http://www.limassolmarathon.com/ for further race details and to sign up now.
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