The Larnaca Marathon has reached new heights in its eighth edition, attracting record participation and solidifying its status as one of Cyprus’ prominent sporting events.
- The Larnaca Marathon has reached new heights in its eighth edition, attracting record participation and solidifying its status as one of Cyprus' prominent sporting events.
Larnaca marathon: A Milestone Event
The 8th Radisson Blu Larnaca International Marathon concluded on Sunday, showcasing the event’s growth as it continues to evolve into a major athletic and social gathering for the region. Organisers describe the marathon as “one of Cyprus’ most significant sporting institutions,” reflecting its importance within the local community and beyond.
Expanding Race Categories
Over the years, the event has expanded to include seven race categories, catering to a diverse range of participants. From seasoned athletes to casual joggers, the marathon offers opportunities for everyone to engage in physical activity while supporting various social initiatives. According to the organisers, these efforts have reached thousands of people, contributing to important causes with tangible social impacts.
A Celebration of Community and Health
The Larnaca Marathon is not merely a competitive race; it is a celebration of human will, perseverance, and endurance. It brings together participants from around the globe, promoting health and sport while simultaneously giving back to the community through targeted actions. The event serves as a reminder of the power of sport to unite and inspire individuals for a common purpose.
Notable Performances in the Men’s Full Marathon
In the men’s full marathon (42km), Cristian-Alexandru Neascu emerged victorious, finishing with an impressive time of 02:34:43. He was closely followed by Dasos Connella, who completed the race in 02:34:59, and Alex Gibb, who finished in 02:35:25, showcasing the competitive spirit of this year’s event.
Women’s Marathon Highlights
The women’s marathon saw Margarita Geistdoerfer take the lead with a finishing time of 02:58:36. Teodora Petkova and Antoniya Georgieva secured second and third places, respectively, with times of 03:02:05 and 03:04:01, highlighting the strong performances from female athletes at this year’s marathon.
Half-Marathon Results
The half-marathon also featured impressive times, with Charbel Sejaan winning the men’s category in 01:07:59, followed by Damian Kabat (01:11:21) and Christos Lamaris (01:12:43). For the women, Megan Jacoby claimed victory with a time of 01:18:01, ahead of Svitlana Korobkina (01:21:45) and Tamara Meteleva (01:21:49).
10km and 5km Races
The men’s 10km race was led by Giorgos Tofis, who finished in 00:31:50, with Mahmoud Abou Zeid and Miroslav Spasov completing the podium in 00:32:59 and 00:33:08, respectively. In the women’s 10km category, Karine Shraim took first place with a time of 00:37:59, followed by Jasmin Volz (00:39:18) and Tracey Atkinson (00:39:28).
Tofis also excelled in the men’s 5km individual race, finishing in 00:16:00, while Anastasia Papadovasilaki won the women’s 5km with a time of 00:19:33, demonstrating the depth of talent present across all categories.
Corporate Participation
The marathon included a 5km corporate race, where Gate 400 secured first place, followed by Smart Physio Team and the Chalkas Sports Centre. This aspect of the event highlights the involvement of local businesses in promoting health and fitness within the community.
Commitment to Social Responsibility
Organisers reiterated their commitment to social contribution through initiatives like “You Run We Donate” and partnerships with charitable organisations. The marathon not only celebrates athletic prowess but also underscores the importance of promoting positive social values and providing tangible support to those in need.
A Symbol of Resilience
This year’s marathon also honoured Georgia Kaltsi, a wheelchair basketball athlete and life coach, who exemplifies resilience and determination. Having rebuilt her life through sport after a serious car accident a decade ago, Kaltsi’s story embodies the spirit of the marathon, demonstrating that with willpower, anything is achievable regardless of challenges faced.
Looking Ahead
The success of the 8th Radisson Blu Larnaca International Marathon sets a promising precedent for future events. As participation continues to grow and the social initiatives expand, the marathon is poised to remain a vital fixture within Cyprus’ sporting calendar.
