The 12th Lefkoşa Marathon, sponsored by Ülker, will take place on December 1 under the theme “Running to Victory with Our Heroes.”
This year, the event will debut a dedicated children’s race, and all proceeds will benefit the Pediatric Oncology Unit at the Dr. Burhan Nalbantoğlu State Hospital’s Oncology Center in Lefkoşa. Registration opens on Monday, November 18.
The marathon will feature three categories: a 4-kilometer public run, a 10-kilometer race, and a 21-kilometer half-marathon.
Entry fees are set at ₺250 for the public run, ₺1000 for the 10 km race, and ₺1250 for the half-marathon, with free entry for the children’s race.
In a press conference, Lefkoşa Mayor Mehmet Harmancı highlighted the event’s importance, noting that the 10 km and 21 km courses have held IAAF and AIMS international certification since 2019, making the marathon a professional event for the region.
Registration will be available at the Lefkoşa Turkish Municipality building on weekdays from 08:30 to 16:00, Saturdays from 09:00 to 13:00, or online at www.lefkosamaratonu.com.
Harmancı emphasized that all marathon proceeds will go to the Pediatric Oncology Unit, stating, “Regardless of the weather, we’ll be there on December 1. Together, we’ll be part of the children’s victory.”
He also noted that the prize pool is 480,000 TL, with a minimum donation goal of ₺2.5m for the unit.
Atakom Limited Director Tolga Atakan, representing Ülker, voiced hope that the people of Cyprus will rally behind this cause with dedication and purpose.
The President of the Athletics Federation, Ferhat Sakallı, echoed these sentiments, inviting everyone to join the run to support children battling cancer.
Pediatric Hematology Specialist Dr. Ayşe Sayılı Erenel from the Oncology Center remarked on the significance of the event, praising the support for children facing medical and social challenges and thanking all contributors for their commitment to a brighter, healthier future for young patients.
The press conference concluded with a promotional video showcasing the marathon. BRT
