Nicosia, 9 May 2025
Press Release from Athanasios Ktorides Foundation
The idea for the Nicosia Marathon was born fifteen years ago, in 2010. Not in a boardroom but while running through Athalassa Park with close friends who shared a passion for long-distance running and a deep love for their city.
Our dream was to turn the streets of our united capital into a living celebration of sport, community and humanity.
“The City, ancient and new,
becomes a stadium.
Its Roads, the track.
Its Pavements, the stands.
Its People,
runners and spectators,
all friends, all winners.”
We turned Nicosia into a stadium. We saw its pavements turn into stands, and its people — runners, volunteers and spectators — come together each year for something truly meaningful.
Since its first official edition in 2010, the Nicosia Marathon, organised and sponsored by the Athanasios Ktorides Foundation, has grown to become the city’s most important athletic event. Every year, it has rekindled the spirit of health, endurance, generosity, and above all, friendship.
Thousands of runners from Cyprus and around the world have experienced the warmth of our capital city. From the very beginning, selfless giving was our foundation — highlighting the social and humanitarian purpose behind the Marathon.
We shaped the Nicosia Marathon into a true celebration of fair play — where everyone is a winner, because what matters most is not how fast you finish, but how you run the race. It became a living testament to the power of the human spirit when driven by high ideals — striving not for personal gain, but for something greater, for one another.
However, just as in a marathon, life is also about knowing when to hand over the baton, so that the vision can grow even stronger.
With pride in what we’ve built, we’re now passing the flame of the Nicosia Marathon to new, capable hands: the team that brought the Limassol and Larnaca Marathons to life and made them leading events in Cyprus. We believe it’s time to take the next step, to let the journey continue and reach new heights.
We do this with the hope that the flame we lit will burn even brighter in the years ahead. And with trust — that the same spirit of humanity, solidarity, and resilience will continue to guide the Marathon and everyone it touches.
Because, as Pheidippides showed us long ago, true endurance is not about seeking glory — it’s about serving a greater purpose.
To every runner, volunteer, supporter, and spectator — thank you. You made this journey unforgettable. And while we pass the torch, we will always be part of its light.
With love and excitement for the road ahead,
Nasos Ktorides,
Marathon Runner
Athanasios Ktorides Foundation
