Paphos Marathon set to take place on March 6, is expected to attract more than 1300 runners.

So far 1,100 people have registered, 600 of whom come from abroad. The 18th Paphos Marathon this year falls under the umbrella of Paphos 2017 Cultural Capital of Europe.

Director of the Marathon Stavros Kakourides told CNA that the race this year includes a marathon of 42.2 km, the half marathon of 21.1 km, the race of 10km and the family race of 5km.

The Marathon will start from Petra tou Romiou, also known as Aphrodite`s Rock and will end at the Medieval Castle at Paphos harbour. The half marathon and the 10km race will kick off at the Castle.

The Paphos Marathon took place for the first time in 1999 and it is dedicated to the late Stelios Kyriakides, an idol in Cypriot and Greek sports who honored the values of “fair play”.

Kyriakides, born in Paphos in 1910, participated in two Olympic Games (Berlin 1936, London 1948), but he was known for his great victory in the Boston Marathon in 1946.

The director of the marathon told CNA that the race has developed over the years into a great sporting and cultural event that promotes not only the values of sports but Cyprus` tourism and culture.

Kakourides said only the winners of the Boston Marathon and Paphos Marathon are honored with wreaths of olive leaves dipped in 24 carat gold.

The last day for registration is Friday, February 26. (CNA)