There will be no Akamas Blossom races in 2023, but we will still be celebrating spring in the beautiful Akamas Peninsula of Cyprus with a social weekend of running at the Akamas Blossom Trail Running Festival Camp from March 31 to April 2 .
Akamas Blossom Trail Running Festival
A weekend of running, flowers, friends and great views
Cyprus Trail Runners has stopped organising races, preferring to focus on exploring our beautiful island on more relaxed social runs. The Akamas Blossom Trail Running Festival will now be a social weekend running festival using the basic 38km and 24km Akamas Blossom race courses but adapted for different starting points and with short cut options to include runners of all abilities.
We will provide basic DIY refreshment stations where possible, but participating runners will need to be able to be self-sufficient for up to 25km for the longer distances. They will also need to navigate using their phones/watches with the GPX tracks and maps provided.
Provisional Weekend Programme:
Friday March 31:
6,30pm-7.30pm. Sunset view run of about 5km, from Smigies Picnic Area.
From 7.30pm: BBQ at Smigies Picnic Area
Saturday April 1:
8.45am: Meet at parking area opposite Aphrodite Baths Restaurant for briefing about the day's runs.
9am-9.30am: Start of the day's runs.
Circular route distances of 35km or 23km.
Shorter option of out and back along coast.
Eg, 12km to Fontana Amoroza and back.
The full 35km route takes runners along the coast for 10km to the remote western tip of the island, Cape Anaroutis, and then to the opposite coast of the Peninsula via the Akamas lighthouse on the hill.
Saturday afternoon: Post-run swims, drinks and relaxation.
Evening: BBQ at Smigies Picnic Area.
Sunday April 2.
8.45am: Meet at Smigies Picnic Area for briefing about the day's runs.
9am-9.30am. Start of the day's runs.
Circular route distances possible of 21km, 18km or 8km.
9.30am: Cyprus Trail Kids special with family adventure run.
12:30: End of trail camp picnic at Smigies Picnic Area.
The 21km and 18km routes take in some of the most beautiful single-track trails in the Akamas, including the winding descent of the Aphrodite trail with probably the best views of the Mediterranean in Cyprus.
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Accommodation
Limited numbers free camping will be available at the Smigies Picnic Area. Please e-mail us to book your place by March 23.
Alternatively there are many hotels, guest houses and holiday apartments in the area. For those wanting a more luxurious stay for the weekend, we recommend the Aphrodite Beach Hotel. Runners need to make their own accommodation bookings.
Cost and registration
The cost is 5 euros for Saturday to cover aid station supplies. On Sunday, the cost is 10 euros and includes a picnic lunch as well as aid station supplies. No cost for Friday evening. Apart from Sunday's picnic, runners need to pay for their own accommodation and meals.
Breathtaking views
For more information, e-mail us at cyprustrailrunners@yahoo.com or call 96210956.
THE APHRODITE BEACH HOTEL
YOUR AKAMAS HOME FROM HOME
Gregoria Efthyvoulou, the genial manager of the Cyprus Aphrodite Beach Hotel, has always welcomed trail runners at her hotel and was our host for the Akamas Blossom races for many years.
The family-run hotel's seaside setting is the perfect place to relax with a beer with family and friends after a day out running the trails. Renowned for its friendly and homely atmosphere, it also offers an array of delicious meals, including for vegetarians and vegans.
More information and bookings, here:
Picture Gallery
See pictures of previous Akamas Blossom Trail Running Festival races here: https://www.facebook.com/pg/Cyprus-Trail-Runners-177277931611/photos/?tab=album&album_id=10155762433056612
And here: https://www.facebook.com/pg/Cyprus-Trail-Runners-177277931611/photos/?tab=album&album_id=10155751013191612
And here: https://www.facebook.com/pg/Cyprus-Trail-Runners-177277931611/photos/?tab=album&album_id=10155752109456612
