Nicosia will host the Quantum Nicosia Marathon on Sunday for yet another year. The event is organised by the Athanasios Ktorides Foundation in collaboration with the Nicosia Municipality and, as the biggest running event in the capital, it promises a unique experience for athletes and spectators alike. This year, apart from the races, the event will host a variety of parallel activities throughout the city.

The day will begin early at 7am with all routes starting from the iconic Nicosia Municipal Theatre. The 5.5km route will pass through landmarks of old Nicosia, including the Venetian Walls, Famagusta Gate, the Liberty Monument, the ancient Aqueduct, Eleftheria Square, the old Town Hall and Paphos Gate.

The longer routes will continue and take runners into the historic centre of Kaimakli. For the marathon and half marathon, the route extends along the Green Line, reaching the campus of the University of Cyprus, while marathon runners will then enjoy the beauty and tranquillity of the Athalassa National Forest Park. All routes finish at the starting point, passing by the Archaeological Museum.

In line with the marathon spirit, a series of new events will enhance the festive experience this year. A Wellness Expo will be hosted at the CYENS Centre of Excellence on Saturday, from 10am to 6pm. The expo is open to all and is being held as part of the collection of participation packages, which runners will be able to pick up on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. 

Also on Saturday morning, at 10am, the running tour Shakeout Run Οne Nicosia will take place. The route will include a tour of the walled city of Nicosia, on both sides of the Green Line, with a total distance of approximately 7km. Then at 12pm, it will be time for the Pasta Party with Pizza Hut and Live Link with Dee Jay Radio. A culinary experience will fuel runners and visitors featuring Pizza Hut’s Pasta Brava pasta.

As part of the EVEXIA EXPO, the sports scientists of the Cyprus Sports Medicine Research Centre will be at the CYENS Centre of Excellence at 2pm, ready to share their knowledge on improving running performance and fitness care with the help of science. This event is titled Science & Running: Discover the Secrets of Performance.

Afterwards, there will be a screening of Boston: The Documentary, which tells the story of the Boston Marathon. The documentary includes extensive coverage of Stelios Kyriakidis, the legendary winner of the 1946 Boston Marathon.

The fun will not stop there. On Sunday, the Winners’ Festival with Street Food will take place alongside the races in the park next to the Municipal Theatre. Under the message All Winners, the event will welcome runners and spectators to a festive atmosphere filled with food and drink.

Lastly, the marathon weekend, as always, has a charitable character. All net proceeds from registrations, as well as additional donations, will be allocated to the Alkinoos Artemiou Foundation, Little Heroes Foundation, Cyprus Autistic Association, Association of Parents and Friends of Children with Heart Disease, Committee of Parents and Relatives of National Guard and the Nicosia Municipal Multicultural Centre.

Quantum Nicosia Marathon

Annual multi-race marathon with a plethora of parallel events. December 8. Starting point: Nicosia Municipal Theatre. 7am. www.nicosiamarathon.com