A Race in the Sun

Upgrade Britain’s wintry cold and rain for the chance to soak up rays and explore some of the world’s most exotic locations in our guide to winter sun racing.

Posted: 7 September 2010
by Dominique Brady

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Cyprus International 4-Day Challenge

Head to Cyprus for a dose of winter warmth - and four very different races. Whether you travel in style with 2:09 Events or book your own accommodation, you'll be part of a welcoming and sociable group of runners taking on this tough challenge.

Kick off with a 6K time trial through banana plantations, before pulling on your trail shoes for eleven punishing kilometres through the Akamas. The second day's course twists up seemingly never-ending rocky paths to finish in a charming village atop the hills.

An afternoon's respite by the pool and you'll be ready for the half-marathon. The stunning course hugs the island's dramatic hillsides, before a fast descent to finish on a sandy beach - and a chance to soothe aching knees in the sea.

The final race is a flat road 10K through Paphos, complete with grand quayside finish by the castle. With a hefty Cyprus-shaped medal round your neck - and a cold local beer in your hand - you'll feel like a champion.

An infectious atmosphere sets the Cyprus International 4-Day Challenge apart - passionate race organisers, cheery expat volunteers and runners (many of whom return year after year) who are clearly having a ball.

When is it? 25-28 November

Where is it? Paphos, Cyprus

How do I enter? www.cypruschallenge.com

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A Race in the Sun

Discuss this article

Gordon Sutcliffe

I'll be doing the Gran Canaria Half Marathon on January 23. There's also a Marathon and 5km on the same day. It's a great climate and you can relax on the one of of the best city beaches in the world after. It's quite cheap to get their with Ryaniar or Easyjet and there is a company called Active Canaria (www.activecanria.com) that organise cheap packages for accomodation and transfer. They also arrange tailor training trips all through the winter.

Posted: 08/09/2010 at 12:04

Steven Gresham

Nice one, i'll look into that myself.
Posted: 09/09/2010 at 22:43

Ruth Mein

I also ran in Gran Canaria last year- just the 5km but will be doing the half marathon this year!! It's a great place to go to train, especially when the weather is so bad at home! Active Canaria, as mentioned above, provide a great service- can't recommend them enough.

My advice- book it and go, go, go!! Beautiful place, great race!

Posted: 15/09/2010 at 10:47

Liz Stewart 3

IM also hoping to do the half marathon in Gran Canaria in January 2011...and hoping to be assisted by Active Canaria :0)..might just add on a "training week" with this company too.
Posted: 23/09/2010 at 22:16