Well, we are already approaching the end of 2025, where have the months gone? It’s not been the easiest of summers to continue to run and train for the race season. However, West Coast Runners (WCR) can be seen in their red tops running around the Paphos area on the coastal path and in the scenic countryside. We love to help others who are considering running as a means to help them to become more active. If you have never run before or want to return to running then we can assist you along the way, we will provide friendly and supportive mentors who have themselves experienced either the C25K course or some other type of beginners programme. We can fashion your training to meet your personal needs and it won’t cost you a penny! For further information you can talk to our Chair, Di, she can be contacted on 97761015.
Race Reports:
Night “Arodafnousa” Road Race 24 September.
The Municipality of Paphos participated this year for the eleventh consecutive year in the European Sports Week – Be Active.
The Tour of Paphos 2025 Road Race started at 7pm from 28 October Square (Town Hall Square) and included races for children before the main event of 5K. The race was extremely well attended and the organisation was excellent. Drinks and fruit were provided for all runners and Trophies were awarded in the various age group categories. WCR were represented by Neil Bithell and Di Henry-Ward. Both completed the race in excellent times and Di was first in her age group. A unique experience running at night and always good to support local events and races. Well done Di and Neil!
Cyprus Grand Prix – Limassol 5k/10k Race 28 September.
Neil Bithell competed in the Limassol 10k Grand Prix race and he stated that, “A warm welcome and a good turnout for the 5k, 10k and 1k children’s races. It was a warm morning but thankfully the route was mostly in the shade. There was good support on route and a great atmosphere; it helped me to give that extra push and I managed to achieve a PB of 49:56. There were plenty of refreshments before and after the races. I and my wife Karen had an enjoyable weekend and will be back in 2026”. Well done Neil achieving a PB.
Lakatamia Energy Run – Nicosia 5k/10k Race 5 October.
What a great excuse to visit the capital of Cyprus, Nicosia, whilst taking part in the 6th Energy Run. There were perfect conditions and the sun shone upon the 1500 participant taking part in the 5k, 10k and children’s run. Three members of WCR, namely Di Henry-Ward, Neil Bithell and Jo Parry participated in the 10k and achieved good times. The atmosphere was superb! The route was well marshalled and organised finishing off with free energy drinks and the much wanted Bananas that grow here in much abundance. We were also given free gifts in small bags and they turned out to be bicycle bells!
We all ran in aid of a good cause Autism. It was a fabulous gathering; we will certainly be back in Lakatamia next year.
Social Events:
In September we held our 4th annual WCR relay and family BBQ and several of our overseas members were here to enjoy the event. Although we expect the weather to be a little cooler in September that wasn’t the case, in effect it was extremely high temperatures well into the 30s’. Not ideal! However, all the runners managed to successfully complete the relay really well without any incidents. The winning team comprised of Kathy Kaiser, Rick and Sarah Holden. Well done to all participants. We all had a very enjoyable afternoon and a big thank you to the chefs, Nick, Pete and Roy and of course a special thank you to our excellent hosts Gerry and Pete, for once again, opening up their house to the WCR family.
WCR and their guests also held a social afternoon in Oct at the Vasilikon Winery for wine tasting and a meal. This event was too late for this Press Release an account will be included in the next edition.
We are in the planning stage of WCR final social event of the year the Christmas Lunch and Presentation to be held once again at Martikas Kitchen in December. It is expected to be a fun festive afternoon to finish 2025 on.
So if you are interested in joining our small but friendly running club then come along to one of our schedule runs, you will be made very welcome by all of our club members. You can try out one or two of our runs free of charge and if you decide to join it will only cost 20 euros per year for full membership and if you don’t live in Cyprus full-time then associate membership is 10 euros. You will certainly meet like-minded individuals and make new friends and be able to join in the fun! Our schedules can be found on our Facebook page or contact Di on 97761015 or Gerry on 99926291 for more information. We look forward to meeting 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 points and start times.
Happy Running/Walking Everyone!