Running in Cyprus: Clubs, Races and the Best Routes by City (2027)

Running in Cyprus is at its best from October to May, when the flat seafronts of Limassol, Larnaca and Paphos, the river park and forest in Nicosia and the pine trails of Troodos are cool enough to train every day. The island's four city marathons all fall in winter and spring, and each one has a half marathon, a 10 km and a 5 km, so there is a race for every level.

Confirmed 2027 dates: Nicosia (24 January), Paphos (27–28 February), Limassol (3–4 April) and the Troodos Terra trail race (23 May). Larnaca's race took place on 15 November 2026 and its 2027 date has not been published yet. Check each organiser's site before you book flights or leave.

When are the big races in Cyprus in 2027?

The dates below are as of 19 October 2026.

Nicosia Marathon (January)

The capital's marathon opens the new year. For 2027 the first race starts at 6:45 on Sunday 24 January, with the race village at Eleftheria Square in the centre. It has grown quickly: a record of about 8,000 runners took part in January 2026, some travelling from as far as Alaska and Madeira. Late January is usually cool, which suits a first marathon.

TUI Cyprus Marathon, Paphos (February)

The Paphos weekend has one of the most scenic courses on the island. The marathon starts at Aphrodite's Rock (Petra tou Romiou) and runs along the coast to finish at Paphos Castle by the harbour, where the half marathon, 10 km and 5 km also start and end. On the 2027 programme the 5 km sunset race is on Saturday afternoon, and on Sunday the marathon starts at 7:00 and the half at 8:00. Minimum ages are 18 for the marathon, 16 for the half, 12 for the 10 km and 7 for the 5 km. A transfer from the finish to the marathon start is offered for a small extra charge; check the current price when you register.

Is there a parkrun in Cyprus?

Parkrun, the free, timed weekly 5 km run, is listed for Cyprus on parkrun UK rather than as a separate country: Akrotiri parkrun is on the Western Sovereign Base Area near Limassol. Because it takes place on a military base, read the event page carefully for who can take part and how to get in before you go, and register for a free parkrun barcode first. There is no parkrun in the main towns, so if you live in Limassol, Paphos, Larnaca or Nicosia and want a regular timed run, the race calendars below and informal running groups are the practical alternative.

Where are the best running routes in Limassol?

Limassol is the easiest city on the island for running because its seafront is almost continuous.

• Molos and the old port. Molos Seaside Park runs from the old port towards the Olympion area, with a wide promenade and a separate cycle path, and connects to Limassol Marina. It is busy in the evenings, so run early for a clear path.
• The eastern seafront path. A seaside pedestrian path continues east from Agios Athanasios towards Germasogeia and the tourist area, so you can join stretches together for a long run without crossing many roads.
• Garyllis Linear Park. This traffic-free path follows the river from Polemidia down towards the marina and seafront, a good option on windy days when the sea front is exposed.
• Amathus seaside path. Further east, a walking path along the coast near Ancient Amathus is quieter and good for an easy out-and-back.

See our Limassol hub for the areas along the coast.

Where can you run in Nicosia?

Nicosia has no sea, but it has two very good options:

• Pedieos Linear Park. The park follows the Pedieos river across the city, from the Strovolos and Anthoupoli side towards Kaimakli, and is the longest traffic-free route in the capital. Visit Nicosia publishes a cycling route from Anthoupoli to Kaimakli along it, which works just as well for running.
• Athalassa National Forest Park. Pine forest, dirt tracks and paths around the lake make Athalassa the favourite for weekend long runs and softer surfaces. It is close to the University of Cyprus and the suburbs of Aglantzia, Strovolos and Latsia.
• Kaimakli linear park. A shorter path that follows more than a kilometre of the old railway line, handy for easy runs and intervals.

Our Nicosia hub covers the neighbourhoods near these parks.

Where are the best running routes in Larnaca?

• Finikoudes to Mackenzie. The palm-lined Finikoudes promenade is the start of the Larnaca Marathon, and you can carry on past the Piale Pasha seafront and Kastella to Mackenzie beach for a flat coastal route.
• The salt lake. The Larnaca Salt Lake, near Hala Sultan Tekke and the airport, has a nature trail and dirt paths along its edge. In winter you may see flamingos. The ground is soft and exposed, so avoid the hottest hours and take water.

See the Larnaca hub for areas near the seafront.

Where can you run in Paphos?

The Kato Paphos seafront promenade is wide, flat and paved, running along the coast from the harbour and Paphos Castle past the archaeological park and hotel strip. It is the same area where the TUI Cyprus Marathon finishes, so it is ideal for race-pace sessions. For quieter miles, run early before visitors fill the promenade. Our Paphos hub has more on living near the coast.

Where can you go trail running in Troodos?

The Troodos nature trails are the place for hill training and summer running, because the mountains are much cooler than the coast. Good starting points include:

• Artemis trail: a circular route of about 7 km around Mount Olympos (Chionistra), mostly on a gentle path. See our Artemis trail guide.
• Persephone trail: about 3 km from Troodos Square to a viewpoint, good for a short out-and-back.
• Caledonia trail: about 3 km from near Platres to the waterfall, rocky and steep in places, so better for strong hikers or careful runners.
• Atalante trail: a longer circuit around Olympos with fewer people.

Our hiking routes guide lists more trails and their difficulty.

How do you find a running club in Cyprus?

There are two kinds of groups:

1. Athletics clubs affiliated to the Cyprus Amateur Athletic Association (KOEAS), the national federation. These clubs train on tracks and compete in official championships and road races such as the KOEAS Grand Prix events. Contact KOEAS or a club in your town if you want coached training or to compete at championship level.
2. Informal running groups and crews that meet on the seafronts and in the parks for social runs. Many are organised on Strava, Meetup or Instagram and change their meeting times often. The race organisers' newsletters and social media are a good way to find them, as many groups train together for the city marathons.

For other sports clubs, see our guide to outdoor sports in Cyprus.

Do you need a licence to race?

No, not for the city marathons, fun runs or parkrun, which are open to anyone who registers. A licence through a KOEAS-affiliated club only matters if you want to compete in official athletics championships. Read each race's rules when you register for any health declaration or age limits, especially for the marathon distance.

How do you run safely in the heat?

• Summer timing. From June to September run before about 8:00 or after sunset. Even in October and May, midday sun on the seafront is strong.
• Water and shade. Carry water on any run over half an hour, as you cannot count on finding a fountain. Choose shaded routes such as Athalassa or the Troodos trails in summer.
• Weather warnings. Check the Department of Meteorology for heatwave and dust warnings before long runs. Our guide to weather warnings in Cyprus explains what each level means.
• Traffic and lights. Many roads have no pavement. Wear bright or reflective clothing and a light before sunrise and after dark, and run facing the traffic.
• Trail safety. In Troodos, tell someone your route, carry a phone and take extra layers in winter, when it can be cold or icy near the summit. Fire risk is high from May to October, so follow any forest closures.

What to do next

1. Pick a race from the table and register early; early-bird prices end well before race day (for Paphos 2027 they ended on 13 October).
2. Choose a base route near your home from the city sections above.
3. Check the events calendar for smaller 5 km and 10 km races during the season.
4. If you want structured training or competition, contact KOEAS for an affiliated club in your town.
5. Save the weather warnings page and plan summer runs for early morning.