With the 26th edition of the Logicom Cyprus Marathon just a few days away (03.03.2024), anticipation is building for what promises to be an extraordinary event. This year, we are not only poised to welcome the highest number of marathon runners to date but we are also set for a memorable celebration of past Marathon Champions.
The ever-young Salameh Al Aqra, the Jordanian running legend, is returning to the Cyprus Marathon 17 years after his last attendance. He not only won the Cyprus Marathon back in 2005 and 2007, but he also has the Course Record of the Marathon (2:33:02) to this day. Up to now, the closest to this course record has been the British Peter Nimmo in 2021 with a time of 2:34:20. Salameh’s participation this year is less about reclaiming his title and more about celebrating the marathon spirit, running alongside new and familiar faces.
Raphael Igrisianu, the steadfast Romanian who clinched victories in 2013 and 2014, is also returning to the streets of Pafos where his legacy has remained. His consistent performances, including a second place in 2015 and a tenth in 2017, have made him an important figure in the marathon’s history.
In the women’s category, the return of past champions also adds to the excitement. Terezia Gyorgy, the Hungarian athlete who overcame challenging conditions to triumph in 2021, has remained a podium regular, clinching second place in both 2022 and 2023. This year, will she stay at second place or will she try to reclaim the first position?
The first position in the Women’s Marathon has many challengers. British Melissah Gibson, the 2022 Logicom Cyprus Marathon champion, might have something to say about that. Her impressive finish of 3 hours 1 minute and 19 seconds in 2022 was just 1 minute and 29 seconds away from the Women’s Marathon record which was set back in 2005 by the German Dr. Sabine Hofer (2:59:49). Will this year’s challengers push for the sub-3 course record?
The Logicom Cyprus Marathon is steeped in history, and these athletes are integral to that legacy. As we count down to race day, we’re reminded that the Logicom Cyprus Marathon is more than a test of endurance; it’s a multicultural festival promoting human tenacity and the glory of long-distance running!
