running across — running across — The runners who dare to think big are four university students planning a monumental 240-kilometre relay run from Akamas to Cape Greco. Scheduled for December 21, the group aims to complete this journey in under 24 hours, marking an islandwide first for such a challenge.
Beginning at midnight from Ayios Kokonas church in Akamas, the team hopes to reach the scenic Cape Greco peninsula before the clock strikes midnight the following day. The relay will operate continuously, with each runner swapping out every 20 kilometres to keep the momentum going.
Team leader Anghelo George Eleftheriou leads this ambitious venture. Once a self-described “non-runner,” he has dedicated the past year to transforming his fitness level, boasting a commitment to transition from what he calls a “zero aerobic base” to a capable endurance runner. Joining him are fellow students Panos Alepis, Constantinos Psaras, and Petros Loizou, all in their twenties and ready to push their physical limits.
As they prepare for this daunting challenge, the quartet is inviting the entire Cypriot community to join them in spirit. The run will be tracked live via GPS, allowing supporters to cheer them on as they attempt to set a record for the island.
“We want to show people that it’s never too late to redefine what you’re capable of,” Eleftheriou said, expressing hope that their journey would inspire others. He emphasised the importance of belief in oneself, stating, “Our purpose is mainly to show others that if you put your mind to something, you can achieve anything you wish to. Dare to dream big, and go make those dreams a reality.”
The team brings together individuals from diverse backgrounds, each with unique physical strengths. While Eleftheriou struggled with running in his youth, often finishing last during school sports days, his teammates have a history of athleticism as loyal football players. This eclectic mix adds to the dynamic of their training sessions, which go beyond mere physical fitness to foster self-improvement and resilience.
“You define yourself, you set your own limits,” they assert, highlighting the mental challenges that accompany their physical preparations. They view every training session as an opportunity to grow, with goal setting playing a pivotal role in their journey. “Having that belief in ourselves is the hardest part,” Eleftheriou added.
Their ambitious relay poses unique challenges, particularly the requirement for each runner to complete three sets of 20 kilometres. Unlike any marathon they have faced before, the team is mindful of factors such as fatigue and the lack of sleep, which they cite as critical to muscle recovery. As they prepare for the December run, they plan to use headlamps to navigate the darkness that will accompany their late-night efforts.
Despite the excitement, the team admits to feeling a mix of emotions as the event approaches. “All emotions are high,” they expressed, acknowledging that nervousness is beginning to creep in as the enormity of the task settles in. “If you don’t set a challenge that doesn’t at least scare you a little, then maybe the challenge isn’t hard enough,” Eleftheriou remarked.
To ensure they are ready for any unexpected difficulties, the team has arranged for a support vehicle to accompany them during the relay. This vehicle will carry painkillers, bandages, and other essentials, prepared to assist should any issues arise along the way.
This relay represents more than just an attempt to break a record; for these four students, it is a testament to the power of persistence and the commitment to pushing personal boundaries. With countless hours of training behind them, they are eager to step outside their comfort zones and embrace the challenge ahead.
Looking ahead, their aspirations do not end with this relay. The next project on their horizon involves a run from Akamas to Apostolos Andreas in the Karpas peninsula. “Our goal is to motivate and show every goal can be reached, dream big,” Eleftheriou concluded, reminding them all to remain focused as they gear up for their Christmas challenge.
