Cyprus Road Races Grand Prix 2026
On Sunday 26th April, GRC member Daniel Pearce lined up at Fig Tree Bay with more than 400 fellow runners for the Protaras 10k.
The Mayor of Paralimni fired the starting pistol for two out and back laps past the resort’s many hotels, bars and restaurants, with fantastic volunteers and marshals cheering along the way.
Despite the 8:00am start time the sun had already risen, and temperatures hit 24° on the course, presenting an opportunity to top up the tan whilst getting a workout!
Although the conditions were tough Daniel found the course to be good fun, and a credited the local area for showcasing everything the holiday destination has to offer. It was also nice to meet so many friendly runners who had also made the journey, with lots of UK running clubs represented.
Daniel wasn’t expecting to be fast with this event being his second race in just two weeks following the recent Lincoln 10k. But he was pleased to record a finish time of 46:13, on the gun as there was no chip timing, which was good for 34th place out of 407.
The race was won by Andreas Prodromou of the Famagusta based GSE Club in 34:46.
This was the third year the grand prix series has been held, and the Protaras 10k was the third race in a series of five events.
Runners completing the series have the chance to collect a set of medals which form a unique ornament celebrating the culture of the island, from the capital Nicosia, the Troodos mountains, the port of Larnaca, historic Paphos to the beaches of Protaras.
Along with a nice medal there were lots of stalls on the day offering free treats including hats, fruit and drinks and energy gels.
Recent events in the Middle East might have thrust a negative spotlight on the region, but Daniel found the well organised sporting occasion was a fantastic way to lift the gloom and show Cyprus is safe and open for business.
