Opap Limassol Marathon Set to Attract Record Participation in 2025
The highly anticipated Opap Limassol Marathon is returning on March 22 and 23, 2025, with an astonishing expected turnout of 17,000 participants. Among them, around 3,000 international runners will grace the streets of Limassol, making this event a central highlight in the sporting calendar of Cyprus. This increase in participants signals the marathon’s growing reputation as one of the island’s leading athletic events.
During a recent press conference held at the municipal hall of Limassol, Mayor Yiannis Armeftis expressed his enthusiasm for hosting the marathon once again. He emphasized that this event goes beyond mere competition; it serves as a celebration of essential athletic values such as effort, perseverance, and fair play. “This event energizes our city each March, creating a remarkable atmosphere where healthy competition thrives,” he remarked, underscoring the positive impact of the marathon on community spirit.
Highlighting the marathon’s significance, Mayor Armeftis noted that it plays an instrumental role in promoting healthier lifestyles. The scenic marathon route along Limassol’s beautiful seafront offers runners an exceptional backdrop, enhancing their overall experience. “Every step in this race reflects the passion and strength of the human spirit,” he added, thanking the numerous individuals involved in organizing the event, from volunteers to sponsors.
Adding to the festive spirit, Mayor Armeftis announced his intention to participate in the 5-kilometer race, showcasing his commitment to the marathon’s ideals. Meanwhile, Spyros Spyrou, president of Eleven Blue Events, the event’s organizing company, spoke about the marathon’s significant growth and its impactful charitable contributions. Since the inception of the fundraising platform in 2019, the event has successfully raised over €250,000 for local charities, emphasizing its community-oriented ethos.
Spyrou further reiterated the initiative to include runners of various abilities in the event, particularly emphasizing participation from individuals with special needs who demonstrate the true essence of the marathon through their resilience. Sustainability is also a focal point for the marathon, with ongoing efforts to minimize carbon emissions and advocate for recycling, making it a responsible athletic endeavor.
This year’s edition is expected to feature participation from over 250 corporate teams in the 5 km Primetel corporate road race, engaging more than 10,000 runners. Additionally, the Andrey & Julia Dashin Foundation’s youth race will see nearly 2,000 children competing in a 1 km event, demonstrating the marathon’s appeal across all age groups. Competitive runners will face a variety of challenges on March 23, including the full Opap marathon (42 km), Muskita half marathon (21 km), Petrolina energy race (10 km), and the Axlebolt individual race (5 km), all sanctioned by the Cyprus Athletics Association (KOEAS).
Alexandros Davos, CEO of Opap Cyprus, reaffirmed the company’s long-standing commitment to sponsoring the Limassol Marathon. He noted that for nine years, Opap has proudly supported this event, which not only connects present-day athletes with historical figures such as Greek marathon legends Spyridon Louis and Stelios Kyriakides but also embodies the values of sport and fair competition.
Lastly, Antigoni Papafilippou, public relations director at Ant1, confirmed that the race will receive extensive media coverage, including live broadcasts on television, radio, and online platforms. “We aim to showcase the significance of this event and bring the energy of Limassol’s seafront to viewers everywhere,” she stated, reinforcing the marathon’s role as a major cultural event in the region. As the date draws nearer, excitement continues to build for what promises to be an unforgettable celebration of sport, community, and the resilience of the human spirit in Limassol.
