Ms. Susan Preston lives in England but that was not an issue for her joining the very first Cyprus Marathon in 1999. From then on, she returned back to Cyprus for a total of 18 times, and has ran, again and again, the Logicom Cyprus Marathon in Pafos. We discussed with Ms. Susan and found out more about her and her participation in the Logicom Cyprus Marathon! Susan has changed her job several times but for the last few years, she has been working as a Doctor’s receptionist. She has been married for 47 years and has four children and seven grandchildren. When did you start running? Susan: I began road running at the age of 34 after previously competing in Track and Field;
I live in Gravesend which is in Kent ‘The Garden of England’ therefore I have access to some beautiful running trails such as The North Downs Way. How did you decide to participate at the very 1st Cyprus Marathon in 1999? Susan: After numerous holidays on the Greek Islands and speaking to other travellers who recommended Cyprus I was delighted when I discovered the first Pafos Marathon, which enabled me to run and enjoy a new holiday destination. That first year someone told me that I would never come to Cyprus once and how right they were as not only have I visited to take part in the March races my husband and I have holidayed in September and October. We have made good friends in Pafos which as I have attended the Pafos events on my own on numerous occasions has given my husband peace of mind. I always recommend this event to my friends as the organisation has always been good and the scenery wonderful and probably one of the best finishes in the world.
How many times have you participated in the Logicom Cyprus Marathon since then? Which race distances have you done? Susan: I have competed in the Marathon and the 10k and even gave out the medals one year when I could not run due to injury; I believe I have attended 18 events. What makes you come back? Susan: I return year after year because it gives me an excuse to come back to Cyprus and makes me keep running. From your experience, what do you think of the Logicom Cyprus Marathon’s evolvement through the years? Susan: I am proud to have seen the evolvement of the event I loved the Boy Scouts with the flags that first year and the new marathon route is amazing.
The event is so successful now especially with the addition of the 5k which could be run as an out and back course along the coastal path. I also like the new numbers with the timing chip. Will we see you at the 22nd Logicom Cyprus Marathon on 15th March 2020? Susan: My husband and I have been discussing just this week about whether we could afford to come again next March; he said I could go on my own but I really want us to go together. Therefore a decision has not yet been made; I have booked as late as January before so I am not losing hope!!
