Sunday 18th March 2018, saw the second day of OPAP Limassol Marathon GSO and it proved to be a spectacular conclusion to this annual international celebration of running.
The 12th edition of the event has been the most successful yet, with a record number of athletes on the start line of both the marathon and half marathon. The event, which has been shortlisted for Best International Event at The 2018 Running Awards next month, certainly boasts one of Europe’s most stunning race locations and this weekend runners have been treated to beautiful spring weather, seamless organisation and a wonderfully celebratory atmosphere.
A substantial contingent of British runners travelled to the island over this year to #RunLimassol, most to take part in today’s races and many who had come as part of running communities including UKRunChat and Run Mummy Run.
Day 2 got off to a prompt start with the AIMS-accredited OPAP Limassol Marathon GSO and Limassol Half Marathon setting off at 7.30am. For the first time these two races featured a team of international pacers led by experienced British pacer Paul Addicott. This meant that more runners than ever were able to hit their target times and there were fantastic scenes of jubilation as they crossed the finish line and received their medals.
OPAP Limassol Marathon GSO has always been known for its flat, fast and straight course along the Mediterranean coast, making it an ideal race to achieve a PB. For 2018, marathon runners benefited from a new and improved course which took them along the spectacular coastal road of greater Limassol and as far as the Ancient City of Amathus.
The 2018 OPAP Limassol Marathon GSO was dominated by Simon Kiprugut Kirui from Kenya who took the lead from the start and claimed the title in 02:18:28, ahead of Serhii Popov (UKR) who finished in 02:34:23 and Anatoliy Bondarenko (UKR) who crossed the finish line in 02:38:59.
Jevtic Olivera from Serbia won the women’s race in a time of 02:44:26, with runner up Simeonova Radosveta (BGR) finishing in 02:50:18 and Olga Andrejeva (EST) in 02:59:56.
Limassol Half Marathon was won by Kenyan runner Nelson Kipkogei in 1:05:40. Second place was claimed by Igor Polyansky (RUS) in 1:09:59 and fellow Russian Dmitry Polyanskiy took third place in 01:13:03.
The women’s field was dominated by Elena Danilova from Russia who secured the title in 01:17:24. British runner Gemma Hockett claimed the 2nd spot on the podium after running a strong race with a new PB of 01:26:19. Irish runner Hannah Howard took third place in 01:28:24.
RESULTS (provisional): OPAP Limassol Marathon GSO, 18th March 2018
Male:
Simon Kiprugut Kirui (KEN), 02:18:28
Serhii Popov (UKR), 02:34:23
Anatoliy Bondarenko (UKR), 02:38:59
Female:
Jevtic Olivera (SRB), 02:44:26
Simeonova Radosveta (BGR), 02:50:18
Olga Andrejeva (EST), 02:59:56
RESULTS (provisional): Limassol Half Marathon, 18th March 2018
Male:
Nelson Kipkogei (KEN), 1:05:40
Igor Polyansky (RUS), 1:09:59
Dmitry Polyanskiy (RUS), 01:13:03
Female:
Elena Danilova (RUS), 01:17:24
Gemma Hockett (GBR), 01:26:19
Hannah Howard (IRL), 01:28:24
The Petrolina 10K Energy Race and 5K City Race both started at 8am. Nader Jaber (LBN) and Panayiota Andreou (CYP) won the Petrolina 10K Energy Race in 32:57 and 41:59 respectively.
The 5K City Race was won by Cypriot runners Marios Apostolidis (16:48) and Elpida Christodoulidou (19:52), both of Dromea Racing Running Club.
OPAP Limassol Marathon GSO Race Director Andreas Spyrou commented: “We are delighted to report that the 2018 OPAP Limassol Marathon GSO has been an overwhelming success. It has been an absolute privilege to see so many runners achieve their targets and celebrate the sport they love with thousands of other runners from the international community. We would like to congratulate everyone who crossed the finish line over the course of the weekend for their phenomenal effort. Our sincere thanks go to our headline sponsor OPAP and to all our other sponsors, partners and volunteers for helping to make the event the success it was. We look forward to welcoming many of this year’s runners again in the future and wish them the very best of luck with their 2018 running adventures.”
The date for the 2019 event will be announced shortly.
