Filenews 12 March 2023 - by Dora Christodoulou
The streets of Paphos were flooded today, for the first time since the start of the pandemic, by a colourful river of people who participated in the international marathon and who gave a different colour to this Sunday morning.
More than 3,000 runners, according to the organizers, participated early in the morning in the 25th anniversary event of the Cyprus Marathon. Runners from more than 50 countries formed an impressive "river" and gave life to Paphos, in the year that it was declared the European Capital of "Smart Tourism" for 2023.
The route of the Marathon runners started from Petra tou Romiou, where according to Homer the goddess of beauty and love Aphrodite was born and ended at the Square of the Medieval Castle of Pafos. In parallel with the Marathon race, a half marathon race was held, with a total distance of 21 km, as well as a 10 and 5 km road races with the starting and finishing area being the Medieval Castle Square of Pafos.
Paphos, a captivating tourist resort with modern infrastructure, welcomed about 1500 foreign runners, with most accompanied by relatives and friends. This influx of tourists, stressed yesterday factors of the race and the tourism industry, brings with it many advantages for Paphos but also by extension for Cyprus.
"The 25th Cyprus Marathon also promotes domestic tourism, as many Cypriots combined a family weekend in Paphos with their participation in the Marathon", they pointed out. "The birthplace of Aphrodite, the Medieval Castle and breathtaking landscapes from the Mediterranean coastal route, compose a wonderful blend for an unforgettable life experience".
