What Runners Say

Malcolm Price -extract- from the Southampton & Eastly Running Club Newsletter

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. 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 – convincingly proving that many runners now search for that extra – ordinary event and seek the biggest test of pain and endurance…… We flew with Cyprus Air from Heathrow – had a free paper, free headphones and free drinks with the lunch. It was so embarrassing to see Richie fill his pockets with small bottles of wine though! A slick airport transfer and 45 minutes after landing at Paphos airport we were dropped at our hotels. Being almost 10.30 pm local time there was nowhere open to eat – no problem , a ploughmans buffet was waiting for us in our rooms. There was a two day rest for training and acclimatisation (daytime temperature around 22 C) before matters started in earnest. Then the Event team held a full briefi ng attended by virtually everyone to explain the courses, timings, transport , toilets, water stations – in fact everything except how to survive the runs…. The celebration banquet in the evening saw the top man (Swiss) and the top lady (Norwegean) take home 4 giant sculptured trophies each. Goodness knows how they got them through customs! Their winning prize ? A return ticket to Cyprus in 2008 to defend their titles.There were no less than 8 countries represented , including the army, the air force and the local British Telecom squad all based in Cyprus. As well as runners from all over Britain : Swansea, Bedford, Newquay, Plymouth and of course, Southampton. Would they do it all again?? No doubt they will and another 300 plus mad runners likewise as numbers are still expected to climb.

Caroline and Steve Orrells from Maldwyn Harriers

We just wanted to say our grateful thanks for the Cyprus 209 challenge. We thoroughly enjoyed it, the organisation was first class, the hotel was brilliant and everyone was so encouraging whatever position you were in (and I was near the rear of the field each time). It didn't matter what size, pace or shape you were the support was there for everyone! Please pass on our thanks to everyone involved and we will be back again next year.

Yvonne Davies

Can I just start by saying what a fantastic event! We enjoyed every minute of it and it was organised so well, no problems at all, we will be entering again next year, so well done to everyone who helped put it all together. Thanks for a brilliant weekend

Debbie Ghant

Just wanted to say thanks for your hard work that made the Cyprus Challenge such a great event again this year - even if I saw rather more of Pafos hospital than I would have liked after my mountain fall ! The scars have made unusual souvenirs and hopefully I'll be able to get the stitches removed later next week !! As usual the photos & DVD footage were wonderful to watch and I would love to know how I could now get hold of a copy (and of the 2006 challenge too as you mentioned you might still have a disc available). Best wishes for the festive season

Hilary Allen

I should just like to say how much I enjoyed the 4 day challenge. The impeccable organisation, friendliness, scenery, running routes and hotel were all excellent. Thank you very much for putting it all together so well. As a slow runner I really appreciated the encouragement and support of everybody, including other competitors.Thank you again.

Tony Armstrong from RAF Germany

We are now back in freezing cold Germany after a refreshing but challenging break in Cyprus.The event was fantastic and we all really enjoyed it. The organisation was first class with well marked out routes, enthusiastic marshalls, well placed water stops and good camaraderie amongst the runners. The weather was also perfect for running and I would not have liked to run the second day in the baking heat. I have seen the results on the Website but am wondering if we can get hold of some of the photos/film footage that was taken during the 4 days? We have our own photos but the photos on display at the Pasta Party were very good. Grateful if you could let me know.All the very best and we may be back next year!

Zoe Findlay

Αnother fantastic years running!:o) Well organised, well marshalled, transportation superbly managed, great pasta party and gala dinner. Thank you all very much indeed! Loved the Keo stand at the end of the 10k - nice touch! The music was great too - a good party atmosphere.

Zoe Todd

Good morning from Scotland - I just wanted to send a short note to say thanks and well done for the 2007 Cyprus Challenge. My brother and I really enjoyed it and the organisation was brilliant. Our favourite race was the half marathon - the route was spectacular and we were on a high after finishing it! The finish at Paphos was also great fun. Thanks again......we will recommend the race to everyone we can!

Rene Tik

Kalispera,being home again in cold, cold and wet Austria let me congratulate you for this very excellent event. We had fun, did a good job by running as fast as possible and relaxed our martyred body.All the best.

Eryl Penney

Just a note to say how much I enjoyed the week in Cyprus. The challenge was a great event and so very well organised. Well done to all the team and hopefully we will be along again next year. May even see you at the County Cross Country ! Have a good Christmas Regards

Sharon Edmundson & her dog!!!

Good Evening to all, I have just been a spectator at this year';s event and would like to say a massive thankyou to each and everyone thathelped in the organisation. Not only did it put my husband and his running partner at ease but the good old trusty wife's who are often forgotten. The daily events were brilliant to watch and for me the atmosphere was brilliant. So A GREAT BIG THANK YOU from me and my dog Jake and the hooter, all of us will be there again next year.