The organisers of the 2018 OPAP Limassol Marathon GSO have announced the first ever race pacing team for the 12th anniversary event on Saturday 17th and Sunday 18th March 2018.
It is the first time that the AIMS-accredited OPAP Limassol Marathon GSO and the Limassol Half Marathon will welcome pacers to help runners hit their target times, which is a fantastic bonus for those registering for this professional and friendly event next spring.
The race pacers will consist of an international team from the UK, Italy and Cyprus, led by experienced pacer Paul Addicott. A popular face in the running community and keen writer of his own blog, pickupthepacepaul.com, Paul has helped countless runners achieve their goals by pacing races ranging from the Virgin Money London Marathon and BMW Berlin Marathon to the Intersport Run Reigate Half Marathon. With hundreds of races under his belt, Paul is perfectly placed to take runners across the finish line in their expected time, whilst providing excellent support, expert race knowledge and a great social atmosphere.
The 2018 OPAP Limassol Marathon GSO will be Paul’s second time running this first-class race in Cyprus, having earned his first medal at the 2017 event. Rating the event as one of his all-time favourite races, Paul is looking forward to helping runners achieve their own PBs as they #RunLimassol.
The race pacing team will be covering a variety of target times at 15-minute intervals across both the marathon and the half marathon races. Target times for the Marathon will include 3:30, 3:45, 4.00, 4.15, 4.30, 4.45 and 5.00 hours. Target times for the Half Marathon will include 1:30, 1:45, 2:00, 2:15 and 2:30. Paul himself will be pacing the sub 4-hour marathon group.
Just as Paul’s blog is called ‘Pick up the Pace Paul’, each of the race pacers in Limassol will have their very own ‘Pick up the Pace’ name, using their individual names. Together they will form a strong ‘Pick up the Pace’ team who will be instantly recognisable over OPAP Limassol Marathon GSO weekend, all working to help other runners achieve their goals.
The OPAP Limassol Marathon GSO attracts athletes from near and far wanting to enjoy the flat and fast course, friendly atmosphere, warm spring weather and stunning natural scenery. The addition of a race pacing team is another reason to sign up to the OPAP Limassol Marathon GSO 2018, and early bird entries with a 40% discount off all individual races are available until 31st October.
The race is also offering a range of excellent race packages for international visitors travelling to Limassol, with the #runlimassolPlus package including the lowest accommodation rates across a variety of budgets, a technical t-shirt, pasta party pass, finisher’s photo, race pack delivery to the hotel and transportation to the start line.
Paul Addicott commented: “I am thrilled to be leading the very first pace team at the OPAP Limassol Marathon GSO. I have picked a great team of pacers who I believe embrace everything a pacer should be. Runners will get more than just an even pace from us – we will encourage and support them the whole way round and provide a truly memorable race experience. I can’t wait to be back leading the sub-4 #funbus! As for Limassol, it’s a wonderful destination for a race, being beautiful, mostly flat and offering great PB potential. It is also an ideal opportunity for a holiday, and after taking my family last year the in-laws are even joining us next year!”
OPAP Limassol Marathon GSO Race Director Andreas Spyrou commented: “We are excited to announce the addition of a race pacing team for the 2018 OPAP Limassol Marathon GSO. Each year we look at how we can improve the event, and the presence of race pacers will make a big difference to those wanting to be sure to hit their target times next spring. We are delighted to welcome Paul Addicott, who will be leading the team of pacers and ensuring that we offer the very best race pacing experience for our runners. With ample experience in the field of running and pacing, and having already run the course in 2017, he is the perfect person to head up our pacing team. We would like to remind our running friends that the 40% early bird discount expires in just a few days, so sign up now to benefit from the best prices!”
Entries are open for the 2018 OPAP Limassol Marathon GSO. Early bird entrants benefit from a 40% discount until 31st October, with fees as follows: Marathon €36, Half Marathon €27, Petrolina 10K Energy Race €18, 5K City Race €18. Entry fees will rise on 1st November 2017.
