The organisers of the OPAP Limassol Marathon GSO have confirmed the start times and the final route details for the races taking place on Saturday 17th and Sunday 18th March 2018.
A total of six races will take place over the course of the two days, welcoming some 15,000 runners to this weekend celebration of running in Cyprus next month.
The revised start times and upgraded routes reflect the organisers’ commitment to take on board competitor feedback and continually improve the race experience year on year. This 12th edition of the event promises to be the biggest and best yet, making OPAP Limassol Marathon GSO one of the most exciting international events for runners of all ages and abilities.
Race weekend kicks off at on Saturday 17th March at 09:00 with the PrimeTel 5K Corporate Race, which will host some 10,000 runners from over 200 teams. The race starts and finishes at Molos, an attractive promenade on Limassol’s seafront with paved paths, palm trees, sculptures, benches, grassed areas and decks out over the sea.
Also taking place on day one is Andrey and Julia Dashin’s Foundation Youth Race, a 1K race for children aged 6-16 years. This starts at 11:00 at the Western end of Molos Park, enabling families to enjoy the stunning views and lively atmosphere of the seafront.
Sunday 18th March then sees the remaining four big races taking place, with the OPAP Limassol Marathon GSO and the Limassol Half Marathon starting at 07:30 and the Petrolina 10K Energy Race and the 5K City Race setting off at 08:00.
The AIMS-accredited marathon race, the flagship race of OPAP Limassol Marathon GSO, is well known 
for its flat, fast and straight course along the beautiful Mediterranean coast, making it the ideal race to chase a PB and a wonderful introduction for first-time marathon runners. A team of race pacers will be helping runners to achieve their target times.
The new route for the 2018 OPAP Limassol Marathon GSO starts at 07:30 in Molos Park and heads west out past the Marina and towards Limassol Port, passing through a mix of urban and natural landscapes. At the Fasouri Waterpark, runners then turn around to head eastwards as far as the Ancient Kingdom City of Amathus. The road to Amathus is 100% coastal and remarkably flat, boasting magnificent views and taking runners along the city’s most developed and hip area. Once at Amathus, and after running through a corridor of ancient ruins and beautiful Mediterranean scenery, runners turn to start their westwards return to the finish line at Molos Park. The return leg even passes Guaba Beach Bar which will be hosting the after-party and awards ceremony in the race village that same day – a welcome encouragement for runners as they approach the finish line. It is truly a spectacular marathon route that gives runners a glimpse into Limassol’s history whilst enjoying its attractive modern waterfront.
The marathon course includes 15 water stations, toilets at water stations and provision of electrolytes, fruit, juice and wet sponges.
The 2018 Limassol Half Marathon also starts at 07:30 and enjoys the same flat and fast coastal route as the full marathon. The race starts in Molos Park, taking runners east for 10km before turning at the Ancient City of Amathus for the return stretch. It is a fantastic opportunity for a half marathon PB, with superb support and recognisable landmarks along the way.
Of particular excitement for 2018 is the introduction of the #RunLimassol app, in collaboration with Gold sponsor Intersport, which enables competitors to keep up-to-date with all the information they need. It is also ideal for loved ones to keep track of race progress with its Live Tracking feature or to join in the fun in the Take a Selfie section. The app is available for free download in IOS and Android.
It is not too late to sign up for a place at the 2018 OPAP Limassol Marathon GSO. A number of race packages are on offer for those wanting to spend a long weekend away enjoying all that Limassol has to offer, and flights are still available from the UK to Paphos and Larnaca.
Overseas visitors can expect a friendly and celebratory atmosphere as well as the highest international running standards at OPAP Limassol Marathon GSO. The event has been shortlisted for Best International Event at The 2018 Running Awards, for which voting is currently taking place.
OPAP Limassol Marathon GSO Race Director Andreas Spyrou commented: “We are thrilled to announce the start times and final route details for the 2018 OPAP Limassol Marathon GSO, which is now just weeks away. We work hard to deliver the very best experience for our runners and we are confident that this year’s timetable and routes will enable competitors to get the most out of their races and their time in Limassol. With less than three weeks now until race weekend, last places are still available and we would encourage runners to secure their place on the start line now. We are very much looking forward to welcoming athletes from all over the world and to hosting a truly memorable weekend of running.”
Entries are still open for the 2018 OPAP Limassol Marathon GSO.
Go to www.limassolmarathon.com for further details and to register.
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.
