I’d signed up to this race because lots of other friends had already done so through the #UkRunChat package. I booked separately to this package.

Registration was very straightforward and every question I had was answered by the Limassol team. Closer to the race when I wasn’t sure where I’d get my number they assured me it would be at my hotel and it was.

On race day we got the bus down to the start line and got ready to go. There were plenty of toilets although no toilet roll when I got there, so for those needing a sit down it would have been unpleasant.

The marathon starts from the marina area of Limassol along the boardwalk and with only 400-500 runners it wasn’t a squeeze. The route winds out of Limassol through some built up areas, construction sites and fields before returning back near the start for the second 21km. This section heads out eastwards through the middle of Limassol along the main strip and out beyond the Amathus archaeological site before doubling back on the same route. The final km was along the boardwalk. On finishing we got a lovely medal, a beer, an ice spray on the legs and the option of a massage.

There were kilometre markers throughout , but there was virtually no one supporting along the route excepts several groups of children with drums and whistles at different places (which were much appreciated). The water stations were a mix of water and electrolyte which despite its taste I was grateful of. I did manage to grab a banana and an orange en route too. The day itself was very hot and unfortunately wet sponges had been used up by the time we got around half way so I resorted to tipping bottles of water down my back to cool off.

I also wasn’t quite sure on road closures. The first part was closed, but during the second part there were cars travelling along the route now and again.

All in all it was a hot and rather lonely marathon which made it quite tough. Thankfully other runners helped overcome that. In addition there were a lovely group of friends who made the days around the marathon a pleasure.

I stayed on in Limassol beyond the race for another week and lounged around the pool and beach and took in some of the sights. There weren’t many travel offices open near the hotels as I guess it was off season, but if you wanted a beach/pool holiday then Limassol is lovely for relaxing.

I’ll definitely remember this race for lots of reasons, but considering it’s location, route and lack of support I don’t think I’d do it again.