At long last the weather has started to warm up getting hotter day by day and West Coast Runners (WCR) schedule start times have changed, the morning runs commence at 7.30am and the evenings to 5.30pm. These times may change again during the summer time, so please check the schedule at the top of our Facebook page before heading out.
Aphrodite Half Marathon/10K/5K Road Races:
The Aphrodite Run held in Polis Chrysochou, took place on Sunday 19 April. The event was organised by Running in Cyprus in cooperation with Polis Chrysochou Municipality. The following members successfully completed the 10K race Claire Rinkes, Di Henry-Ward, Jo Parry, Ruth Poole and Viv Couldrey. Neil Bithell and Rita Leyland successfully competed in the Half Marathon. The weather was much better than last year, “Jo stated that the sun was certainly on their side. There were lots of participants in the 10K race. The atmosphere was amazing and the run exhilarating until near the end. The steep hill to the finish was certainly a challenge but worthwhile, with determination we all got to the end! WCR will be back again next year.” This was the first time that the HM had been held and the route commenced from the same point as the 10K towards Argaka and back. As previously mentioned Neil and Rita took part in the race and Neil stated that, “the weather was perfect, a little chilly in the early morning but we soon warmed-up around the country lanes before heading out on the road to Argaka before turning and heading back. There were plenty of supporters who cheered us on our way including 4 Marshals from the club wishing us well. The last Km uphill to the finish line definitely put paid to a sprint finish, a great run” A big thank you to all the Marshals who gave up their free time to assist in the race, including Christine and Roy Bell, Maggie and Mags Douglas.
Cyprus Grand Prix – Paralimni 10K/5K Races:
Neil Bithell and Rita Leyland took part in the Paralimni 10K race on Sunday 26 April. This was the 3rd race in a series of 5, with Limmasol and Paphos to run later in the year. Neil stated that, “It was very warm morning but another great turn out and well supported. Our partners Karen and Chris both enjoyed the great atmosphere and lovely coastal backdrop. Neil said it wasn’t his fastest run, but they both enjoyed the race and finished the race in respectable times.” Neil and Rita will continue with their goal of doing all 5 Grand Prix races, with the next one on the 27 September at Limassol. We wish them all the best.
Pareklissia 10K Road Race:
Ruth Poole and Jo Parry were the only 2 members who could make the Pareklissia 10K race this year. The race took place on a very hot morning on Sunday 10 May around the village and surrounding scenic countryside. The route was undulating with a couple of hill climbs with a great uphill finish. There were plenty of participants; the atmosphere was good, lots of support and Marshals. Much needed refreshments at the end. They both had a very enjoyable experience and will be back next year.
West Coast Runners on Tour:
Two club members took their WCR tee-shirts on tour recently starting with Neil Bithell who spent a weekend in Bratislava in Slovakia with his wife Karen, competing in the Half Marathon (HM).The HM took place on Sunday 12 April. Neil stated, “Well, what can I say, what a brilliant weekend we had and one of the best organised HM I have taken part in. It was a four day event with the races staggered, including senior and disabled races, which was great to see, up to Marathon distance. The atmosphere was electric from start to finish, with over 17,000 runners in total from 91 countries. It couldn’t have gone better, it was a dry morning but very cold, some would say perfect conditions. A great way to see a beautiful city, I was more than happy to run in a time just under 1hour 50 mins, here’s to the next one.” We wonder where you will be going next!
Rita Leyland also took her WCR tee-shirt on tour, when she visited her family in the UK and ran in the Haigh Hall Woodland Park Run on Sat 9 May. It was a very hilly and muddy park run, but she loved it. Rita managed to knock 4 mins off her last park run she did in January, finishing in 32 mins. Rita also did some long runs with the Robin Park Runners and enjoyed running with them.
Members try as much as possible to compete in races in Cyprus and in other countries but it’s not all about races. We enjoy running just for the pleasure, being with like-minded individuals enjoying an activity that we love, running and walking in and around Paphos. We are genuinely a friendly group of runners and you will be made more than welcome. So why don’t you give it ago and come along to any of the schedule runs. Our schedules are published monthly on our Facebook page or if you want to talk to someone then please contact Di on 97761015 or Gerry on 99926291 who are both happy to hear from you.
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 places and start times.
Happy Running/Walking Everyone!