Happy New Year to everyone, 2024 has arrived and are we all ready to start the new year with new resolutions and ambitions? Have you always wanted to start a new keep fit regime? Well, what about seriously thinking of running? It is a great way to get fit while enjoying some of the wonderful scenery we have here in Cyprus. It is also a great way to meet new friends and whatever your ability here at West Coast Runners we offer a warm welcome to you all. Our Facebook page is kept up to date with our monthly schedules and for future “Back to Running” or Couch to 5k courses – take a look could be the start of your new journey.
For any more information please call Christine on 97757159 or Gerry on 99926291.
The final race for 2023 for some of our members was the 5th Cyprus Grand Prix Road Race.
The 10Km race started at Paphos Castle where 150 runners enjoyed a sunny, warm December morning.
Alan Lovejoy returned to competitive running and crossed the line as the winner of his age group, well done Alan, great running. Neil Bithell finished his successful year off with a time of 50.09 which he was very pleased with, next 10km has to be under 50 mins now!! Well done, Neil.
In November Diana Nash took part in the 10 km race as part of the Leptos/Arena 4-day challenge. This is the one event Di enters every year. It is literally 4 days of challenges of various distances. First day 6K time trial, second day 11k hill climb, third day half marathon and the last day 10k road race, all taking place at various venues around the West Coast of Cyprus. However, this year Di could only enter the final day as two weeks prior, she had run a full marathon in Athens and decided the full 4 days would have been 3 days too much. Excellent turn out as usual on day 4 which is actually the Paphos City Run, great atmosphere at the start of the final event, however the weather also decided to be challenging, but as always runners just grit their teeth and get on it and despite the challenging conditions, Diana managed to win first in her age group, although she always maintains she probably would have been the only runner in it, but it was a welcome sight at the end to have all her running buddies cheering her in from West Coast Runners. Definitely a race that every runner should enter – just for the challenge!
So, to end 2023 we held our Christmas Social and Awards dinner. This year we all enjoyed a delicious meal at Hickory’s Restaurant on the Tomb of the Kings Road. The food and service were excellent and definitely worth a return visit. Our members have all performed brilliantly this year and all deserved to be recognized for their achievements and efforts. But as they always say there can only be one winner, well for each category and we are so pleased for the following members to be acknowledged for 2023:
- Handicap Winner – Diana Nash
- Most Improved Runner – Vivienne Couldrey
- Runners Runner – Claire Rinkes
- Club Member of the year – Ruth Poole
- Chairpersons Best Supportive Runner Trophy – Linda Hesketh
Well done to you all.
West Coast Walkers
Don’t forget we also have our walking group that meets every Monday morning. The walking group is increasingly popular and is open to anyone who enjoys walking, meeting like-minded individuals, experiencing walking along the coast and exploring in and around the Paphos area. We welcome all walkers whatever your ability, young and the not so young! There is something for everyone to enjoy. Please see the West Coast Walkers Facebook page for meeting points and start time.
