Happy New Year to you all, we start this year full of hopes and dreams for the future both here in Cyprus and around the World.
Have you made any new year resolutions? It’s that time when we all decide to start a new keep-fit regime. Running is a great way to get fit and what a wonderful location we have for enjoying the great outdoors. 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 events – take a look it could be the start of your new journey. For any more information please call Di on 97761015.
Our members finished 2024 with a bang and here are some of their reports on various races:
Leptos Cyprus International 4-Day Challenge
21-24 November 2024.
Aptly called the 4-day challenge, because it is exactly what it is! Club members Claire, Rita and Di took part, the 5th time for both Claire and Di. Day 1 was a 6K time trial from the Coral Beach Hotel, Day 2 was the 11K Akamas hilly Run, finishing at Pano Arodes, Day 3 was the Akamas 1/2 Marathon, starting and finishing at Neo Chorio, with the hardest hill imaginable running up to Neo Chorio at the end, after running a tough, mixed terrain run over the Akamas. Day 4 was the 10K Paphos City run. Yes, it is a challenge, but the feeling at the end of the 4 days as you cross the finish line at the harbour in Paphos is so exhilarating and then seeing your friends and family cheering you as you finish this fantastic race. So, are you up for a Challenge in 2025?
Larnaca Half marathon 17th November 2024
Club members Neil, Ruth, Vivienne and Louise all completed the Larnaca half marathon. The atmosphere was great even with the intermittent thunder, lightning and rain. We managed to start between rain showers and only really got wet at the end. The support along the route was really good to have, from people cheering at the side of the road to plenty of water stations and bands playing music to spur us on. Even the flamingos arrived at the Salt Lake at 15km to show their support, which was a beautiful site. The rain came down at the same time and it was quite a soggy last 6km to the end.
The organisation was great both before the day, receiving our packs, on the day with plenty of marshal’s and many stalls with refreshments and afterwards with official photos and timing. Definitely a run to be recommended to those that haven’t done it before, the t shirt and medal together were worth the entry fee and great reminders of our achievements.
We woke with trepidation at the thunder and lightning but certainly ended on a high of all completing the run safely and supporting each other.
Cyprus Grand Prix Race – Sunday December 1st
This was the last of the Cyprus Grand prix races run in Paphos and what a fabulous atmosphere it was. Commemorating 60 years of the Cyprus national guard there were military teams marching before the start and running the races from a host of areas of the military.
The harbour was buzzing with runners and supporters for the 10km 5km and 1km children’s run. Club members Neil, Claire, Rita, Sven and Louise ran the 10km and Diana and Viv ran the 5km. All enjoyed a good run with a few personal bests to end the year. Thanks to the organisers and the supporters from WCR and beyond for making it such a good race morning.
West Coast Runners Handicap Series
Our Handicap Series ended on 30 November, having started off in January with a 5K time trial and there were a lot of close finishes on the various events during the course of this year. However, our overall winner was Neil Bithell, congratulations to Neil, and in second place was Alan Lovejoy with Louise Robinson-Georgiou and Karen Bedford tied for 3rd place. Congratulations to all and photos of the presentation will be in next month’s Press Release.
West Coast Walkers
There have been some amazing walks during 2024, Aphrodite Baths to Blue Lagoon, Foinikos abandoned Village near the Asprokremmos reservoir with its historical & mysterious links to the Knights of the Old Templar, Akamas to Lara Beach and the Akamas Gorge to name a few. Many walks lead by members of the walking team finishing with brunch at their homes. We are a great group of people enjoying chats along the way and we finished the year with a lovely meal at Elisaveta Restaurant. If you would like to join us, then please see our West Coast Walkers Facebook page where you will also see lots of photos taken during the year.
