Any new runners out there or have you recently moved to Cyprus? It can be difficult to start something new or find like-minded people to run with, especially in a new area, but look no further, West Coast Runners will always give you a warm welcome. We are a small friendly club, all committed to enjoy running, we like to run anywhere from city streets to coastal paths and scenic mountain trails. Whatever your age or ability you will always find someone to run with and encourage you on your running journey. So, why don’t you come and join us on our weekly runs. We look forward to meeting you. See our Facebook page for the latest monthly schedule or contact Di on 97761015 or Gerry on 99926291 for more information.
Run for Autism – Half Marathon/10K/5K, Nissi Beach, Ayia Napa:
Members of West Coast Runners (WCR) competed in the Half Marathon (HM) and 10K races. The HM commenced at 7.15am followed by the 10K at 7.30am. The weather was cloudy to start with, but soon brightened up, but very windy. Neil Bithell took part in the HM and Rick Holden, Viv Couldrey, Jacqui Petri, Claire Rinkes, Jo Parry, Diane Henry-Ward, Ruth Poole and Rita Leyland compete in the 10K. Despite the very windy conditions, they all finished the race in very good times. The atmosphere was great with runners from Cyprus and other countries. As it was last year, there were many supportive Marshals and water stations along the route. Also thank you from WCR to family members for the fantastic support and the photos taken of this great event.
Neil stated, “That it has been an honour to raise 800 Euros for this charity, our grandson Ezra is on the Autism spectrum and we know how hard charities have to work to get their funding. Run for Autism Famagusta was launched in 2022 and in 5 years has grown in number from 800 to over 4,500 runners. From the race, 100% of the proceeds go to the charity, particularly the smile project which is a specialised Day Centre for young adults in Sotira. The centre relies on donations for its day to day running. From this funding they promote awareness, compassion and inclusion across Cyprus and beyond. I would like to thank everyone for sponsoring me, including friends and family from Cyprus and the UK and members of WCR enabling me to raise 800 Euros for completing the HM.” Well done Neil!
We are looking forward to competing in the following events, firstly the Aphrodite Half Marathon 10K/5K races in Polis Chrysochous, Paphos on Sunday 19 April. This will be the first time that the HM race has been run and we have participants in both the HM and 10K races. Also in April the Virtual Race in Memory of Stelios Kyriakides, a Cypriot Marathon Legend. The run should be within 20 April and 30 April 2026 and be exactly 7.7Km. Many of our members have registered and plan to run together on our Tuesday evening schedule run. Race reports and photos will be in the next Press Release.
Club Handicap:
The club Handicap was started in 2022 as a monthly fun event. It is based on the idea of individuals learning about their own pace control and the awareness of how far they have run but all in a group setting. To build this awareness GPs watches are not allowed during these runs. The event is run over 11 months of the year with an individual’s best 7 monthly scores counting to the final result. The club Handicap is very popular event on the club schedule and is well attended.
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.