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. As we start 2026 there are many of us that make new year resolutions, more often than not it is to get fitter, especially after all the Christmas festivities. Running is a great way to get fit and where better to start your new fitness regime than here on this beautiful island. West Coast Runners are a small, friendly club of all ages and abilities that will support and encourage you whether you are returning to running or starting out on a new adventure. It is a great way to meet new friends and talk to like-minded people. 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
2025 was a great year for our members and here are some of their reports on the last couple of races of the year:
Larnaca Half marathon 16th November 2025
Neil Bithell writes – A fantastic turnout as usual for the Raddison Blu Larnaca running event. My wife Karen and I enjoyed a great weekend in Larnaca which was buzzing as everybody was enjoying the build up to Sunday morning. It was a lovely sunny but fresh start with up to 12,000 runners turning out to run the various distances. I ran the 21km race, which I really enjoyed and was really pleased to achieve another P.B (Personal Best) of 1.44.38. I have to say personally this is one of my favorite events of the year as the hospitality and atmosphere is electric and the organization is spot on from start to finish.
Kings Avenue Mall, Run Together – 23rd November 2025
Neil Bithell & Rita Leyland took part in this first 5k charity run with all proceeds going to benefit the Margarita Liasidou Foundation for children with special needs. 200 runners gathered at Kings Avenue Mall to run for this good cause, and all their entry fees went to the charity. It was a nice warm morning as we left the Mall heading to the coastal path along to the Lighthouse and back to the Mall where there were lots of supporters. We were given a nice t-shirt and medals, which were sponsored by the Kings Ave Mall. This was a lovely run, raising money for a brilliant charity and we look forward to taking part again next time.
Cyprus Grand Prix Race – 7th December 2025
Several WCR registered to run the last race of the Grand Prix season, Neil Bithell, Claire Rinkes, Ruth Poole, Jo Parry, and Di Nash. Unfortunately, on the day Storm Byron decided to hit Cyprus and the heavens opened with wind and rain in biblical proportions. The ladies, wisely, decided to stay in bed and run a “virtual” race another day. Neil, however, joined those who braved the weather and completed his last race for 2025 in a very respectable time for the conditions. On Saturday 13th December the ladies, and Neil, ran their virtual 10km race. Well done to you all.
West Coast Runners Handicap Series
Our Monthly Handicap Series ended on 22nd November and this year there were several members in the running for first place right up to the last race. The final result was, in first place, Neil Bithell, second place, Linda Hesketh and Jo Parry in third place. Congratulations to all and photos of the presentation will be in next month’s Press Release.
West Coast Walkers
There have been more amazing walks during 2025 which have been enjoyed by a good group of people which included some holiday makers too. We are a great group of people enjoying chats along the way and we finished the year with a lovely meal at Phils Diner in Coral Bay. 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.