4 DAYS
4 DIFFERENT RACES
SPECTACULAR TRAILS
As if our dear adventurous running friends had not had enough running the 3rd edition
of the Cyprus International 4-day Challenge last November, they have been kind enough
to save us the trouble… and “provide” all the necessary “quotes” so that for one
more year we could put together the write up of our opening story based almost entirely
on participants comments!!!
“Forget Guernsey , Lanzarote , Algarve , Malta and the Isle of Man ; these all pale
into insignificance when measured against this series. The Ultimate test of toughness
in a 4 day challenge” says a friend and even goes further to give us the event statistics!!!
“The Cyprus 4 Day Challenge started 2 years ago with just 60 runners, last year
that grew to 120 runners and this year there were 250 entrants”, 60% of which British,
25% from the German speaking countries, and the remaining 15% from Ireland, Sweden,
Norway, Belgium, Holland and Cyprus, we can add. Just as a reflection of our point
of view, our friend finishes the Southampton Club Newsletter opening paragraph on
the Challenge by adding
“– convincingly proving that many runners now search for
that extra – ordinary event and seek the biggest test of pain and endurance……”
For the 4 different days & races, our running friends wrote; and we can feel proud
as “the impeccable organization, friendliness, scenery, running routes were all
excellent” with “well marked out routes, enthusiastic marshals, well placed water
stops.
Irrespective if you are a fast or a slow runner, 18 or 71-oldest participant a
“good
camaraderie amongst the runners” is being developed for all without an exception…
“as a slow runner I really appreciated the encouragement and support of everybody,
including other competitors. It didn't matter what size, pace or shape you were
the support was there for everyone! “
Looking for the race highlights, it actually is very difficult for us to isolate
a particular race or event, as we feel equally strong for all 4 days. Reading through
the comments though, it becomes obvious that from a runners point of view the “favourite
race was the half marathon - the route was spectacular and we were on a high after
finishing it!” Further more, after the 4 tough days there is no doubt that everyone
“loved the Keo (Local Beer) stand at the end of the 10k - nice touch! The music
was great too - a good party atmosphere”, & “.....ALL FOR FREE!! WooHoo!!”
It isn’t though just about the race & the runners. Should your friends and family
wish to come along, they better be ready for a surprise “We had left behind the
miserable weather back at UK and even though it was 2100hrs local time, it was warm
enough for shorts & tee-shirt” so chances are, that they will return home with a
lovely bronze colored skin!!!
“Summary: A fantastic event, great winter break, well organized....See you next
year” says our friend as an end statement in his report on the 4-day Challenge for
the Backla-Harriers.
On behalf of the Cyprus International 4-day Challenge organising committee, we will
simply repeat our last year’s comment “we had our share of fun putting everything
together and watching runners enjoying the event, and we most certainly look forward
to welcome back to Cyprus new as well as experienced 4-day “Challengers” for the
2008 race between 27-30 November.
Closing, and other than all the participants we do feel that a big “thank you” should
go to all sponsors of the Cyprus International 4-day Challenge 2007, Cyprus Tourism
Organization, Cyprus Airways, Leptos Group, Paphos TV, Rock FM, Coral Beach Hotel
& Resort, Budget Car Rental and Evangelismos Hospital as well as to Paphos Police
Authorities, Forestry Department, Municipality of Neo Chorio, Environmental Authorities,
Archaeological Department, air vac. services of the island and of course all volunteers
and staff that worked hard to make the event a great success and who will undoubtedly
play a major role in making the 2008 event an even bigger success.
The Organizing Committee.
Cyprus International 4-day Challenge 2008