young runners — The young runners undertaking this ambitious challenge are set to make history with a 240-kilometre relay across Cyprus. Starting on December 21 at midnight from Ayios Kokonas church in Akamas, four university students aim to reach Cape Greco peninsula before the clock strikes midnight the following day.
- As Christmas approaches, the team hopes to be adequately prepared, ready to take on this monumental task while inspiring others along the way.
This first-of-its-kind event, dubbed ‘Running across Cyprus’, will see the team swapping runners every 20 kilometres. Team captain Anghelo George Eleftheriou, who describes himself as a ‘non-runner’, has spent the past year training rigorously to transform his fitness levels, preparing to run the entire distance alongside his teammates.
Joining him are fellow students Panos Alepis, Constantinos Psaras, and Petros Loizou, all in their twenties, who have a mixture of athletic backgrounds. While Eleftheriou has struggled with running in the past, his teammates have consistently engaged in football. They invite the community to support them as they attempt to set a new record, equipped with live GPS tracking to share their progress.
“We want to show people that it’s never too late to redefine what you’re capable of,” Eleftheriou stated. His words reflect the team’s mission: to inspire others to pursue their ambitions, no matter how daunting they may seem.
The four runners have united not just for the physical challenge but also for personal growth. They believe that by pushing their limits, they encourage others to do the same. “You define yourself, you set your own limits,” they noted, highlighting the importance of goal-setting in their training.
The challenge they face is significant, with each runner needing to complete three sets of 20 kilometres. Unlike any marathon they have experienced before, the relay poses unique challenges, particularly the lack of sleep which can hinder muscle recovery. Additionally, the December timing means they will have to navigate the route in darkness, relying on headlamps to guide their way.
The atmosphere leading up to the event is charged with excitement and nerves. “All emotions are high,” the team shared, acknowledging the daunting nature of running for 24 hours straight. Eleftheriou emphasised the value of setting fears aside, stating, “If you don’t set a challenge that doesn’t at least scare you a little, then maybe the challenge isn’t hard enough.”
To ensure their safety during the run, the team has arranged for a support vehicle, ready to provide medical assistance and supplies should the need arise. This careful planning reflects their commitment to both the challenge and their well-being.
For the group, this relay represents more than just a record attempt. It embodies perseverance and a commitment to high performance. With countless hours of training leading up to this moment, they are eager to push their boundaries and embrace the journey ahead.
Looking beyond this challenge, the team is already planning future adventures, including a run from Akamas to the Karpas peninsula. “Our goal is to motivate and show every goal can be reached, dream big,” Eleftheriou declared, showcasing their desire to keep pushing the envelope.
As Christmas approaches, the team hopes to be adequately prepared, ready to take on this monumental task while inspiring others along the way.