Cyprus’ newest trail race – AW

Former AW author – and GB worldwide miler – Paul Larkins loved an journey within the Cypriot hills, even selecting up a medal for his troubles

Impressed by AW’s very personal Paul Freary no much less, I had no hesitation in taking the lead in Cyprus’ latest path race, the Kato Pyrgos Path Run which happened in early October.

As everyone knows Paul, an athlete of let’s say mature years, gained the Andalucía Marathon in Spain, so what was I anxious about I mentioned to myself. If he can do it, I can too; in any case, technically I used to be faster than him (3:35.94 for 1500m in 1987), though I assume the yr of that efficiency additionally confirms one different factor: I’m additionally a lot older than he’s so actually, I ought to know higher.

I’d hit the entrance within the first-ever working of this 15km mountain run, assured I might stretch that lead over the following few kilometres, however immediately regretted that transfer. Thanks, Paul. His race was downhill. This one is up (or not less than, half of it’s) and it was getting steeper! I’ll look to another person for inspiration subsequent time.

Critically although, this can be a nice race so as to add to your calendar. It’s set in a sleepy seaside village of Kato Pyrgos, removed from any vacationer traps but affords this occasion, good empty sandy seashores, and superb climate within the mid 20s. It’s spot on for anybody making ready for an autumn marathon, particularly the 30km longer race which varieties a part of the programme. That’s as a result of for a path race, the going is nice. Sure, it’s robust for that opening 8km or so however on the identical time it’s very runnable.

After a fast opening couple of kilometres from the village sq., you hit the pristine forest paths and begin to climb the swap again paths heading to the excessive level of 444m. It’s steep, however such is the standard of the paths you may shortly discover a rhythm that in my case leads to me passing a lot within the discipline – all of them in truth! Assume 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.

Thoughts you, to get to that summit each the 15km and the accompanying 30km hit a 50 per cent climb at about 6km, which to place it mildly could be very difficult certainly. Beforehand I googled 50 per cent to see how steep that’s however might solely provide you with graphics that appeared to say it was a cliff. Absolutely not? Effectively, not fairly, however for a observe runner like me it wasn’t far quick. 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.

Kato Pyrgos Path Run with Paul Larkins (left)

Admittedly, it’s a difficult 5 or ten minutes, however as soon as on the prime you’ll end up reaching not for an power gel, however to your digicam. There aren’t any particular 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 nicely. The groomed paths are steep to run up, however for all however one quick 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 information the trail is clean and predictable. By now I’d drifted again to 3rd, considering I’d try to surge exhausting within the ultimate few kilometres though that’s fairly exhausting to do when the entire discipline is flat out and having fun with the runner-friendly descent. I even began working sub-6s which for me aged virtually 60 is nothing wanting miraculous! It could be just like the 1987 me clocking 4:10s.

I used to be actually impressed by the organisation particularly as for a primary version, the race proved amazingly common – worldwide in truth. First throughout the road was Sherpa Ngadi, a Nepalese primarily based in Cyprus with the UN, second was Yiannis Effe, a Cypriot, whereas a Brit (myself!) was third. Within the girls’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 international locations internationally could make new pals and new recollections.

Plus, the meals is nice too! Beforehand, there’s a free breakfast for the runners full with some magnificent native Cypriot meals then afterwards the freebies proceed, once more with native specialities. However better of all, the commentator cheering within the finishers breaks into track every so often, even serenading the odd runner right here and there. When did you see Geoff Wightman final try this?

Kato Pyrgos Path Run with Paul Larkins (far proper)

Make a date in your diary

Loads of us have holidayed in Cyprus, however few may have explored Kato Pyrgos and the superb hills and trails. Let’s begin with the seaside group that performs host to what’s a weekend of sport – it’s a tiny village, actually a one-dog city however is stunningly lovely. 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, it has that all-important seaside, sea views and nice native meals served as and if you need it; private service such as you’ve by no means skilled. So, it’s no shock it’s a well-liked weekend vacation spot for runners and walkers who stay in close by Nicosia and it’s straightforward to see why.

It’s additionally common with cyclists and kayakers – certainly, the weekend contains simply that. There’s a 100km – hilly – street race for the cyclists or a extra relaxed afternoon on the millpond flat sea for the kayakers. There’s additionally a massively common strolling tour to take pleasure in, taking within the medieval church buildings, Alpine-like pastures and native eating places and bars the realm consists of.

So, for those who’re on the lookout for late autumn solar and heat and an excellent race, then that is definitely one to consider. All the main points are at run2d.com.

Prime recommendation: make it a two-centre vacation; spend a number of days in Nicosia or maybe Paphos as we did after which drive to Kato Pyrgos for the weekend.

For extra, see Run2d.com and traveleto.com/resort/cy/tylos-beach.html

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