During March 2018, 44 members of the Run Mummy Run community arrived in Limassol to take part in the OPAP Limassol Marathon races . They spent the weekend running and bonding in this sunny seaside city.
With races from 5K right through to marathon distance there was something for everyone. Run Mummy Run member, Sarah Kaminski tells us about her weekend in the sun….
Hi I’m Sarah and I want to tell you a bit about my amazing Limassol experience with Run Mummy Run.
Travelling there
When I made the decision to join the Run Mummy Run package for Limassol I knew I would be travelling over on my own, which I was a bit nervous about. I needn’t have worried at all. I met up with another Run Mummy Run member at the airport, as we were on the same flight. We spotted each other straight away because of our Run Mummy Run hoodies! We travelled a day early, on Thursday, so we had all day Friday to explore.
The hotel
The OPAP Limassol marathon people were there to meet us off the plane and take us to our beautiful hotel. It was located just a few miles outside of Limassol, and had recently been refurbished so the lobby and dining rooms looked amazing. It was a really lovely, friendly, family-orientated hotel. I would have felt comfortable bringing my partner and children too.
I was eager to find out what the food on offer was like. I have to say it was second-to-none. I was really impressed at the level of choice at the buffet in the evenings. The range of cocktails was outstanding. We may have indulged in a Mojito or two over the course of the weekend!
Everyone else began to arrive on Friday, including my lovely room-mate. We had only met once before at The National Running Show in January, but I immediately felt comfortable with her. That’s what I love about Run Mummy Run. It’s such a friendly and supportive online community, full of like-minded women. We clicked straight away, so I was totally relaxed about sharing.
The Corporate 5K
On Saturday, we all got up early and went to run the Corporate 5K. The atmosphere was brilliant. It was so busy as lots of companies enter their employees into it. We had lots of fun with selfie-stops on the way round and even visiting some cafes along the way! It was quite warm but this gentle race was a great way to acclimatise.
Race Day
On Sunday morning I was raring to go at 8am. I didn’t know how I would cope with the heat, but the first 5K felt really good, so I went with it. There was a head-wind, but I found that helped to kept me cool. The 10K was an out and back course, so when I turned around to come back, I started to feel very warm. Thankfully, there were plenty of water and electrolyte stops on the route.
I began to slow down a little from about five miles in and I found the last 1.5 miles quite tough. When I came down the last stretch, I spotted some lovely RMRs who were supporting, which gave me a massive boost. They were an amazing cheer squad all day!
I managed to finish my 10k in 49:28, which I’m so chuffed with.
After my race finished, I went straight down to join the cheer squad and support all the other Run Mummy Run ladies doing the half marathon and marathon. I just loved being there to cheer everyone in along the finishing straight.
Participants of the half marathon and marathon were entitled to a free beer. So after the races had finished everyone had a few drinks before heading back to the hotel to get ready for the evening.
Party time!
In the evening, a group of us headed back to the after party. It was in full swing when we arrived, which was great to see. There was a big stage with a band playing, which changed to dance/rave music later on in the evening. There was a bar opposite too, with the dance floor in the middle.
Of course, all the partying and entertainment were outside as we were in Cyprus! The weather was sunny and warm all weekend. We found everyone really friendly and danced the night away while talking about our amazing achievements throughout the day. I am so overwhelmed to have been part of the weekend. It was so lovely to meet everyone from Run Mummy Run including Leanne herself.
If you get the chance next year to go, grab it with both hands!
Thank you Leanne Davies for arranging this incredible weekend x
Are you interested in joining us in 2019?
Message from Leanne:
Ladies you’ve been waiting and waiting and now the wait is over……
I am ABSOLUTELY DELIGHTED and giddy with excitement to finally launch the new and exclusive Run Mummy Run 2019 race packages for next years Limassol race weekend! 23rd and 24th March.
This weekend was our best social yet. Sun, sea, friendships and running (oh and prosecco). We laughed, we bonded, we ran free. It was the best of this community coming together and celebrating happiness, fun and running.
You can run the 5k, 10k, Half Marathon and Full Marathon.
We even have a non runners package if you just want to come and be the all important cheer squad. EVERY running ability catered for, no-one gets left behind!
You only need to ask our 2018 crew to know it was a weekend of a lifetime.
We do hope you’ll join us for what is set to be another truly spectacular weekend! xxx
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HOTEL FOR 2019: https://theroyalapollonia.com/en/
AUTOMATED BOOKINGS: www.limassolmarathon.com/page/en/78/CommunitiesPackage
DEPOSIT? 25% / Final payment one month before the event.
FLIGHTS: We suggest you secure flights (into Larnaca or Paphos, free transfers apply at both airports) before booking your package.
ARE THE PLACES LIMITED? At the moment the hotel is not booked up. As spaces are taken and place become limited we will update people accordingly.
Our hotel will be shared with the other amazing running community in the UK – UKRunChat – who we are very fond of and we had a ball with them this year also. Please find them on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Many ladies attended alone this year and never felt alone for a minute x
