The 2018 OPAP Limassol Marathon GSO race weekend got off to a magnificent start today, Saturday 17th March, as thousands of runners filled the streets of Limassol to take on the first two races of this international celebration of running.
Some 15,000 athletes from 66 worldwide locations have gathered in Limassol for OPAP Limassol Marathon GSO, which over the course of two days will play host to six races, four parallel events, a superb after party, over 700 volunteers, 3,000 international runners and plenty of PBs, race records and running stories.
Day 1 started at 9am with the PrimeTel 5K Corporate Race, an eagerly awaited race. Under blue skies and glorious spring sunshine, runners from 200 teams set off from Molos Park on Limassol’s seafront to compete for the title of the fastest team. The atmosphere was incredible as participants gave their all to do their businesses proud and, in many cases, raise large sums for charity.
ΣΤΕΛΙΟΣ ΠΑΠΑΙΟΑΝΝΟΥ and Marios Apostolides, both from EMEL, were battling it out for the winning title with ΠΑΠΑΙΟΑΝΝΟΥ securing first place in 00:16:21 with just a one second gap. Areti Markou, also from EMEL, was the fastest female after crossing the finish line in 00:19:19. All of them contributed to EMEL being awarded with the trophy for the fastest team.
PrimeTel 5K Corporate Race – Team Results (average time):
- EMEL (00:17:50)
- BookYourWeddingDay.com (00:18:24)
- Sklavenitis (00:19:10)
Andrey and Julia Dashin’s Foundation Youth Race followed at 11am at the western end of Molos Park, and this much-loved race saw hundreds of young runners take on the 1K course and experience the thrill of a big sporting event. This has always been a great event to encourage running and fitness among the younger generation, who clearly loved being cheered on today by the many spectators and families gathered on Limassol’s seafront. The efforts of the youngsters in each of the races – 6-9 years, 10-13 years and 14-16 years – was remarkable and there were plenty of proud young faces as they received their medals and soaked up the celebratory atmosphere.
For the full Day 1 results please click here.
As the Day 1 races were getting under way there was plenty of activity over at Limassol Marathon Village in Old Port Square, where the Petrolina Energy Day was taking place. This day of fitness and wellbeing proved to be a fun opportunity for athletes and their friends and families to watch live acts, join in fitness classes and learn more about Cyprus’ biggest sporting event.
The DJs of Guaba Beach Bar filled the area with uplifting music while various activities went on, including official Les Mills fitness classes with qualified instructors, nutrition and wellness advice from Nutrition Partner ChangeEat and a brilliant Kids’ Zone where Kids Academy Instructors did a fantastic job keeping the youngsters entertained with exercise and fitness challenges.
With so much on offer, it’s clear that the organisers of OPAP Limassol Marathon GSO have put plenty of thought into ensuring the whole weekend is a fun and inclusive celebration for athletes and their families and friends.
OPAP Limassol Marathon GSO Race Director Andreas Spyrou commented: “Day 1 of OPAP Limassol Marathon GSO has been a great success and we couldn’t have asked for a better start to the weekend. It is wonderful to see so many athletes gathered in one place and we would like to congratulate all those who took part in the PrimeTel 5K Corporate Race and Andrey and Julia Dashin’s Foundation Youth Race today.
“The atmosphere at both races was wonderful and Limassol was abuzz with energy all day, and we are looking forward to another fantastic day of races and to welcoming everyone tomorrow!”
Keep up-to-date with OPAP Limassol Marathon GSO with the #RunLimassol app, which tracks race progress thanks to a Live Tracking feature. You can also follow the marathon race live on Cypriot channel PIK 2.
Go to www.limassolmarathon.com for further details.
You can also like the Facebook page and follow @RunLimassol #RunLimassol on Twitter to keep up-to-date with all the latest news about OPAP Limassol Marathon GSO.
