Race report: Kato Pyrgos TrailRun, Cyprus

Gorgeous views, pristine trails, one punishingly steep climb, and all of the candy almond twists you possibly can eat on the end are only a few of the treats awaiting at Cyprus’s newly created Kato Pyrgos TrailRun.

It is a must-run occasion for anybody trying to expertise a captivating tradition whereas exploring new routes and assembly new mates. There’s a splendidly welcoming area people, to not point out loads of custom and meals to expertise.

On race day, as an example, there’s track, dance, and delicacies to swimsuit each style from Elvis to haloumi! Plus, in the event you’re feeling courageous within the minutes main as much as the beginning, you’re invited to attempt an area favorite: sturdy Cypriot espresso. However be warned, it’s bought a kick, so be able to be turbocharged for these early miles. After which in fact, after you’ve completed there are these fabulous almond sweets laid on as you sit in a laid-back café and cheer on anyone behind you.

Select your distance

Runners can soak up both a preferred 15km (really a bit additional, however extra of that later) or an amazingly picturesque 30km route. Each of which take you from the seaside city of Kato Pyrgos – a sleepy coastal resort with good sand seashores that by some means have evaded the journey tour giants’ consideration – up into the encircling hills earlier than returning for that all-important complimentary breakfast (and even a beer in the event you so want).

I opted for the 15km, which just like the 30km began at 6.30am simply because the Cypriot solar started to rise over the mountaintops. The primary few kilometres, which take you out of the village ranging from the foot of a century-old oak tree, are quick. They lead alongside a dried-out riverbed which clearly does see water motion within the winter, however is dry and rocky in October when the race takes place.

Alpine-style trails

It’s at this level issues get severe. Greater than half of the race is uphill, a truth you’re solely too conscious of as you climb the switchback paths heading to the excessive level of 444m. That stated, the forest paths winding via dense Cypriot pines may be on the steep aspect however they’re most undoubtedly runnable. And by that, I imply you possibly can transfer at tempo in the event you discover your rhythm that’s!

Consider the Alpine paths you see within the Tour de France, and also you’ll get the image. Put your self in that low hill climbing gear, chop your working stride, work your arms, and focus on type. It’s efficient and really rewarding.

You would possibly even – as I did – begin passing folks! Thoughts you, to get to that summit each the 15km and 30km hit a 50% climb at about 6km, which to place it mildly may be very difficult certainly. Thankfully, the organisers are nothing however considerate and have laid on a rope to haul your self up the 400 metres or so to the highest path.

Admittedly, it is a difficult 5 or ten minutes (what runner is aware of the best way to use a rope successfully?), however as soon as on the high you’ll end up reaching not for an vitality gel, however in your digicam. There are not any package necessities for this race as there are feed stations and though distant, you’re by no means too removed from security. However one factor you will need to carry is a digicam. The ocean sparkles within the distance and as you’re excessive above the tree line, the world is yours to take pleasure in. Like loads of different runners within the 30km, you’ll cease and take within the panorama.

After which it’s all downhill. And quick as effectively. The groomed paths are steep to run up, however for all however one brief descent they will let you lean ahead and actually fly. There’s no braking, and also you’re secure to permit gravity to take over secure within the data the trail is easy and predictable.

Massive end

However it’s about now, with roughly 3km to run, having cruised the earlier 5km, you start to grasp that maybe the shorter marketed race isn’t precisely the 15km claimed. Given there’s the 1km riverbed to renegotiate, to not point out the ultimate few kilometres on the street again into the village. However are you aware what? For as soon as, a longer-than-advertised race is a plus! Really, it is a enjoyable occasion that you just don’t thoughts having fun with for an additional 20 minutes or so.

For a primary version, the race proved amazingly in style – worldwide in reality. First throughout the road was Sherpa Ngadi, a Nepalese runner based mostly in Cyprus with the UN. Second was Yiannis Effe, a Cypriot, whereas a Brit (myself!) was third. Within the ladies’s race, it was equally worldwide as Christina Dzigmovicova from Slovakia gained from UN teammate, Norwegian Dorothea Bade; whereas Cypriot Persephone Nicolaidou was third.

And that completely sums up what this nation is all about and has been because the Romans. It’s a gathering level of cultures the place runners from nations internationally could make new mates and new reminiscences. Plus, the meals is sweet too!

Plan your run within the solar

Loads of us have holidayed in Cyprus, however few can have explored Kato Pyrgos and its superb hills and trails. Let’s begin with the seaside group that performs host to a fantastic weekend of sport – it’s a tiny village, however stunningly stunning. Time your go to proper and also you’ll have miles of welcoming sandy seashores to your self.

We stayed within the Tylos Seashore Resort, which has all you want as a path runner on vacation. It’s near the hills, has that all-important seaside, sea views and nice native meals. So, it’s no shock it’s a preferred weekend vacation spot for runners and walkers who dwell in close by Nicosia and it’s straightforward to see why.

Kato Pyrgos can be in style with cyclists and kayakers – a lot so, infact, that the weekend contains simply that. There’s a 100km street race for the cyclists or a extra relaxed afternoon on the flat sea for the kayakers. There’s additionally a massively in style strolling tour to take pleasure in, taking in medieval church buildings, Alpine-like pastures and native eating places and bars.

So, in the event you’re on the lookout for late autumn solar, heat and a fantastic race, that is actually one to consider. All the main points are at run2d.com

The 2022 occasion was organised by Nicosia Tourism Board and the 2023 dates shall be launched quickly. If you cannot wait that lengthy, take a look at the race in Lythrodontas village on December 4th.

For extra particulars take a look at NTrails and VisitNicosia on Fb.