A Weekend of Marathon Triumphs in Limassol
The bustling city of Limassol was a hive of activity as it hosted the prestigious Limassol Opap marathon. Athletes and enthusiasts from across the globe, spanning 75 countries, converged to participate in what has become a highlight on the international running calendar. The events, which drew to a close at lunchtime on Sunday, saw over 17,000 participants lace up their running shoes and take to the streets.
Deputy Minister of Tourism Costas Koumis expressed his enthusiasm for the event’s impact on Cyprus’s global reputation. “For us it is an extremely important event,” Koumis said, highlighting the positive effects of such sports events on the country. He noted the growth of these events and their occurrence throughout the year as a source of pride and benefit for Cyprus.
Runners had a choice of four races on Sunday, each offering a different challenge. The full 42km Marathon, the Muskita 21km Half Marathon, the Petrolina Energy Race 10km, and the RemAthlon Individual Race 5km provided options for all levels of runners. The weekend featured six different routes in total, with a significant international presence. Notably, the number of overseas participants doubled from the previous year, reaching 3,000.
In a display of athletic prowess, Israel’s Yossi Gross clinched first place in the OPAP Men’s Marathon with an impressive time of 02:46:04. He was closely followed by fellow countryman Yossi Geta and Cypriot runner Nicholas Georgiou. On the women’s side, France’s Sophie Roussard led the pack in the OPAP Women’s Marathon, crossing the finish line with a time of 03:29:50. She was joined on the podium by Ioanna Tsokkou from Cyprus and Poland’s Karolina Borowski.
The success of this year’s Limassol Opap marathon not only underscores Cyprus’s growing role in international sports but also showcases the island’s capacity to host events that attract global attention and participation. With each passing year, the marathon continues to cement its place as a must-attend event for running enthusiasts around the world.
