Well, it’s been a cold, wet and windy start to the running year, not the weather we are used to here in “sunny” Cyprus. Being motivated to get out running is not easy but you will still see West Coast Runners in their distinctive red tops braving the weather. So if you fancy giving running a go and want to run with a supportive and friendly club then you would be more than welcome to join us on our weekly runs. Whatever your goals are there will always be someone to run with you to help you fall in love with running. So what have you got to lose? Our schedule is updated monthly and can be found on our Facebook page or contact Di on 97761015 or Gerry on 99926291 for further information. We look forward to meeting you.
Cyprus Grand Prix, Larnaca, 11 January:
The first race of 2026 is the Cyprus Grand Prix – Larnaca 10k/5k. There are 5 Grand Prix races during the year and Neil Bithell and Rita Leyland successfully competed in the first 10k race. Neil stated that, “Well, after all the Christmas and New Year celebrations and all the extra pounds that we put on over the festive season, it was nice to get out and stretch the legs and to run in the Grand Prix 10k race. Larnaca you never let us down, a really good turn out on a lovely sunny and warm January morning. There was also a 5k and 1k for the children, as always a well organised event, enjoyed by all with a tee-shirt and a nice medal for everyone. We are already looking forward to the next Grand Prix race”. Neil and Rita’s intention is to compete in all 5 running events. We wish them all the best.
There are many races in the early part of the year for members to look forward to, so let the training commence!
Social Events:
West Coast Runners ended their very successful year 2025, by holding their annual Christmas Lunch and Awards Presentations.
This year again, we all enjoyed a delicious meal at Martika’s Kitchen Restaurant in Tala. The food and service provided was excellent and a big thank you to Graham and his wonderful staff for making all of us so very welcome and looking after our club in their usual professional manner.
Following the lunch, the awards presentations took place and trophies were presented by the committee to members of West Coast Runners as follows:
Handicap Winner: Neil Bithell
Most Improved Runner: Karen Bedford
Runner’s Runner: Vivienne Couldrey and Neil Bithell (Both had equal votes)
Club Member of the Year: Neil Bithell
Chairpersons Best Supportive Runner Trophy: Gerry Rock
Many congratulations to all those members who each received a well-deserved trophy in recognition of their achievements during 2025. Also, thank you to Running in Cyprus for again providing the Trophies and we thank you for your continued support.
West Coast Walkers:
Why not start the New Year and join our lovely walking group West Coast Walkers. We walk every Monday at 7.30am around the Paphos region. Distance usually between7-10k. We are a friendly group who like to walk, chat and exercise together and sometimes have a coffee afterwards. Once in a while we do a special walk, like from the Baths of Aphrodite to the Blue Lagoon, watching the wildlife and enjoying the quiet surroundings. Followed by an enjoyable lunch in Latchi. Lots of the walks are coastal and flat. Although, occasionally we like to get off the roads and explore the beautiful trails around the Paphos area. This year we will be introducing new exciting walks and it would be lovely to have new members join our group.
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.