We are extremely proud and grateful for all the athletics federations around the world who have adopted OpenTrack as their all-round athletics meet facilitator, and we’re delighted for everything that’s going on in Cyprus, with their governing body led by Katia Evangelou.
“These things take time,” Katia explains, “they do not happen overnight,” as she continues her quest to vastly improve on access for all in grassroots athletics in Cyprus. But the signs are positive that this small island, with all its politics, climate, topography and not a traditional hub for track and field & running is really finding a way to bring athletics to the masses.
In order for road races to proceed smoothly, the army and police get to the race for free – and nice bargain for them in exchange for kindly securing the course and making it safe environ for all.
And this is not just about the adults, but crucially the kids too are being encouraged to take part, with a couple of hundred signing up for a recent free 1k race. The structure is growing with 6 distinct clubs now affiliated to the federation.
Some 1,250 athletes have competed in the flourishing and competitive road running Grand Prix series so far in Strovolos, Larnaca and Paralimni this year, with some six races per event. Two 5 and 10ks, a corporate race, and a kids’ race. The Larnaca one of those over 150 entries for the juniors, and a dazzling win in 3:26 for the hugely talented Despina Lomonari, an U12G, winning over U14B Chris Panayi, both quite far ahead of the pack. Paralimni even saw the addition of a family fun run, although it was a serious business up front as ever.
And the rest of the world pays a visit
A World Athletics Bronze event occurred on May 25th with generous prize money, and a quality field assembled at the Cyprus International Athletics Meeting in Limassol. There were some wonderful returns on offer including Hungary’s Attila Molnar breaking 45 for the 4, ahead of GBs Edward Faulds in 46.04; another Brit Lucy Hadaway taking the Long jump in 6.73, and an outstanding 100m with five men going sub 10.5 and two Brazilians Cardoso and Bardi on top with 10.29 and 10.36.
Cote D’Ivoire’s Maboundou Kone found a PB of 23.02 in the women’s 200, whilst the Pole vault saw six clear of 5 metres and Emmanouil Karalis of Greece having to let 5.72 go. Seven of the nine men went past 70 for the hammer. Finally there was huge reason for cheer from the home fans with CYP’s Natalia Christofi winning a gripping 110H, with 13.16 over Maayke Tjin-A-Lim’s [NED] 13.18 and Elisavet Pesiridou’s [GRE] 13.25.
In short, it was a thriving, fizzing night of athletic excellence that attracted athletes from all over the world and set’s up Katia’s ongoing mission to further and develop both Track and Field & road running in Cyprus, and OT are delighted to be in partnership on that journey.