Becel Pro.Activ Green Race

Outdoor Enthusiasts should try the Becel Pro.Activ Troodos Green Race this June.

One of the biggest complaints one will hear from Cypriots regarding what to do over the weekend is that there are not enough activities for outdoor enthusiasts. It is true that there are many beautiful taverns hidden in secluded areas all over the Island, and Cyprus has plenty of beaches to relax during its hot summer days, yet for the active Cypriot, choices are limited. In this respect, it is a shame that the beauty of Troodos is not taken advantage of by the more active people living on the Island. The dense forests of Troodos offer a healthy green environment for people of all ages. Particularly for outdoor enthusiasts Troodos offers paths for hiking, safe camp sites, cycling routes, has great scenery for photographers and many more.

On June 19th Dro.Me.A Racing Running Club, one of the largest running clubs in Cyprus, in cooperation with OPAP Cyprus, will organize its second 14kilometre mountain race. The 14km race will start at 9.00 am and the participation fee will be 10 Euros. Participants must be 18 years old or older. For those that might find 14 kilometres a little demanding, there will also be a 3.5k run (participation fee 5 Euros - start at 9.03 am). For younger fitness enthusiasts there will be an 800 m kids’ run (participation is free of charge - start at 9.20 am and children up to 14 years old are eligible to compete). Registrations may be performed online at www.dromearacing.com but also on the day prior to the races starting at 7.30 am.

The race is expected to attract many runners from across the whole Island as well as runners from abroad, and is also part of the Troodos Sports and Fun Festival week (June 18-26). The festival includes archery, a Tae-Kwon-Do exhibition, a BMX exhibition, sport workshops and cycling races. There will also be an ecological camp for 10-17 year olds from June 21 – 26.

Dro.Me.A Racing Club’s 14k race, the Becel Pro.Activ Green Race, will be held on rough terrain over the Artemis Trail and the more difficult Atalanti Trail. Running at altitudes of over 1700 metres makes this particular race a challenging one for the runners, who this year are expected to be over 100. The runners will have the opportunity to run through beautiful black pine forests and across various kinds of rock formations. The views from these trails consist of some of the most spectacular on the whole Island. Constantinos Kyriakides of Dro.Me.A Racing is excited about the event but warns, “runners should not get too carried away with the stunning view otherwise they run the risk of getting injured on the narrow slopes. I suggest they run the race and then if they want to enjoy the view, to do it as a hike”.

The race therefore is an opportunity for all those wanting to make the most of their weekends. Gabriel Trouve, the Defence Attaché of the French Embassy based in Cyprus thinks it is one of the best events on the Island. “I actually helped find the route for the event and as soon as I saw it I thought to myself, this is one of the most beautiful locations anywhere to run a race”. Outdoor enthusiasts in Cyprus therefore should mark the date of the race and of the Troodos Sports and Fun Festival that is also a great event for all the family.

As Trouve states, “there is such a big potential for outdoor activities concentrated in this island. It is a pleasure to extend to other people the feeling one can have for such an environmental treasure”.

The running events are supported by the Embassy of France, Forestry Department, the National Guard, Nicosia COOP Bank and Get Out sports shops. The race is under the auspices of the Cyprus Amateur Athletics Association (KOEAS). Becel Pro.Activ is the event’s Major Sponsor.

For those interested in taking part in the race and for more information on the Troodos Sports and Fun, they can visit the Dro.Me.A Racing Website at www.dromearacing.com, or at www.cyclingcy.com.

For more information about the ecological camp for children aged 10 – 17 from the 21st – 25th of June please email us at [email protected], call 96302884 or visit the website www.ecocampcyprus.com