As part of its #weadvance campaign, the organisers of the Limassol Marathon GSO in Cyprus have confirmed a number of changes for the 2017 race.
The winners’ cash prizes have been increased for both the Marathon and Half Marathon on Sunday 19 March 2017, and the winnings get doubled if the current course record is broken.
The organising team of this popular sporting event in Cyprus adds that the financial incentive adds to ‘the many other advantages of running Limassol Marathon GSO – the beautiful climate, a flat and fast course, spectacular coastal scenery and plentiful history & culture being some of the other reasons this event attracts over 13,000 participants each year.’
The winner of the 26.2 mile Limassol Marathon GSO will take home €2000 in 2017 if they finish under 2:17:22 (men) and 2:50:00 for (women). This will be doubled to €4000 if the course record is also broken. For men, this would mean breaking the current record time of 02:13:29 and for women, a time of 02:38:56. Second and third prizes for the marathon are €1500 and €1000 respectively.
The winner of the 13.1 mile Half Marathon will take home €1000 if they complete the course under 1:08:00 (men) and 1:14:00 (women), and equally this will be doubled to €2000 if the course record of 01:04:19 for men and 01:12:35 for women is broken. Second and third placed athletes in the half marathon will win €800 and €400 respectively.
It has also been confirmed that the male and female winners in the six age categories (18–29, 30–39, 40–49, 50–59, 60-69 years old and 70+) in the Marathon, Half Marathon, Petrolina 10Km Energy Race and 5Km City Race will receive a trophy.
The third change that has been put into place based on runners’ feedback is the new start time of 07;30 for the Marathon, Half Marathon and Petrolina 10 Km Energy Race.
Now entering its eleventh year, the Limassol Marathon GSO is fully accredited by AIMS, the Association of International Marathons and Distance Races.
Athletes can look forward to running the coast road of greater Limassol, which stretches for 21km alongside the sparkling Mediterranean, reaching a maximum altitude of 18m and providing runners with views and a refreshing sea breeze.
The Limassol Marathon GSO offers a range of race distances all taking place on the same day. In addition to the full and half marathons, there is a 10K Energy Race, a 5K City Race, a 5K Corporate Team Race and a 1K Kids Race. Together these races aim to offer a complete sporting experience for all ages and abilities.
Limassol Marathon GSO Race Director Vasilis Vavalos said: “We are delighted to be able to reward the winners of Limassol Marathon GSO with increased prize money for 2017, as it is a truly phenomenal achievement to run a marathon or half marathon. It would be wonderful to see the course records smashed and double the winnings accordingly, so we look forward to welcoming elite athletes from all over the world who have a real chance of setting new course record times.
“At Limassol Marathon GSO #weadvance and we listen to the feedback from our runners, and this is reflected in Limassol becoming such a high quality destination for the running community. Our overseas visitors always enjoy the stunning scenery, great weather and friendly atmosphere, and all the effort that goes into making this one of Europe’s most exciting sporting events.
“Entries for the 2017 marathon, half marathon and other races are open and we would encourage runners to secure their place as soon as possible.”
An early bird discount for individual race entry is available until 30 November 2016 with a 40% discount. Early bird registration fees are €36 for the Marathon, €27 for the Half Marathon, and €18 for both the Petrolina 10K Energy Race and the 5K City Race. Running club members also benefit from a 50% discount for entries submitted by February 2017.
