The countdown to the XM Limassol Marathon 2026,
which this year is being held for the first time with XM as title sponsor, was
officially launched at a press conference held on March 12, 2026, at the Panos
Solomonides Cultural Centre in Limassol.
This year’s event will take place over the weekend of March
21–22, 2026, with more than 17,000 runners from approximately 68
countries expected to participate, once again transforming the city
into a meeting point for the international running community.
The XM Limassol Marathon combines sport with social
contribution. This year, through an initiative and the support of XM, the
Marathon is joining forces with the Pancyprian Multiple Sclerosis
Association, strengthening initiatives that support individuals living with
Multiple Sclerosis.
The press conference was opened by the Mayor of
Limassol, Yiannis Armeftis. “Each year, the XM Limassol Marathon brings
thousands of runners from Cyprus and abroad to our city, highlighting
Limassol’s dynamic role as a destination for sporting events,” he highlighted.
Subsequently, XM Co-CEO Stavri Morti referred
to the importance of the partnership with the Limassol Marathon and to the
initiative supporting the Pancyprian Multiple Sclerosis Association. “For XM,
it is a great honour to support the Limassol Marathon this year for the first
time as title sponsor. Limassol is our home and a community we proudly
support,” she said.
The Chairman of the Board of Directors of the XM
Limassol Marathon, Spyros Spyrou, referred to the multidimensional
character of the event and its significance for society, the economy and sport.
“This great celebration is also a reflection of Limassol itself. It reflects
our city’s tradition of being pioneering, open to new influences, committed to
collective social initiatives, distinguished for its hospitality and deeply
connected with sport,” he said.
Within the framework of XM’s cooperation with the Multiple
Sclerosis Association, runners will have the opportunity during registration to
contribute €1, €5 or €10 in support of the Association.
Speaking about the initiative, the President of the Association,
Georgia Demofanous, emphasised that it “substantially contributes to
strengthening the services we offer to people living with Multiple Sclerosis,
such as physiotherapy programmes, psychological support and social assistance”.
The local community will also play an important role in the
event. Students from the American Academy Limassol are
actively participating in the preparation of the route’s cheering points,
contributing their energy and creativity to the unique atmosphere of the race.
McDonald’s Cyprus Head of CSR, Katerina Andreou,
elaborated on the company’s support for the event’s children’s race. “At
McDonald’s we believe that sport and participation cultivate values that
accompany children throughout their lives. Through the McDonald’s Kids Race 1km
we want to give every child the opportunity to experience the joy of
participation and take their first steps in the world of sport,” she said.
On behalf of the communication sponsor ANT1 and ANT1
Radio, ANT1 Group Director of Public Relations Antigoni Papafilipou noted
that: “ANT1 once again confirms its presence this year as the exclusive
communication sponsor”, while also congratulating the organisers for the
excellent organisation of the XM Limassol Marathon.
As part of the press conference, short videos were presented
featuring the stories of people participating in the race. Among them was the
story of Christia, a young woman who dreamed of taking part in the
Marathon. She succeeded with the support of the 365 Foundation and
the 365 Dream Team, who provided her with a specialised wheelchair
to help realise her dream.
The organisers expressed their gratitude to all sponsors,
partners and volunteers who contribute each year to the success of the event.
XM’s contribution is decisive for this year’s Marathon, as
both title sponsor and sponsor of the Marathon route, linking its
name with Cyprus’ leading sporting event, while also supporting the social
dimension of the organisation.
The spectator entry is free across all race
routes included in the two-day programme.
Title sponsor
XM
Race sponsors
- Marathon
Route Sponsor: XM
- Half
Marathon Sponsor: Muskita Aluminium Industries
- 10km
Energy Race Sponsor: Petrolina
- 5km
Individual Race Sponsor: Axlebolt
- 5km
Corporate Race Sponsor: Primetel
- 1km
Kids Race Sponsor: McDonald’s
Platinum sponsors
- STOIXIMAN
- MUFG
Investor Services
- KIA
- ASG
Leasing
- AEGEAN
- Agios
Nikolaos Natural Mineral Water
- ERDINGER
Alcohol Free Beer
- Under
Armour
- Alinea
- ERB
Asfalistiki
Gold sponsors
- Interfreight
Logistics
- La
Roche-Posay
- EMEL
- Cosmos
Sport
- HealthAid
- Redwolf
Ogilvy
Silver sponsors
- Honeywell
Travel
- Ice
Power
- Pasta
Brava
- ACS
Supporters
- Stirixis
- Nextbike
- Biobank
- Greson
EasyLoo
- Skembejis
& Sons
- OSHEE
Isotonic Drinks
- Scifit
- Crona
Group
- Maurten
- City
Friends
Media sponsors
ANT1 and ANT1 Radio
Digital media sponsor
Digital Tree
Volunteer groups
- POED
Limassol
- Running
Fluent Initiative
- Limassol
Parents Federation
- Cyprus
Scouts Association
- Freedom
Church
- EY-ZHN
Runners Club
- Pericles
Demetriou Runners Club
- Dromea
Racing Runners Club
- Cyprus
Girl Guides Association
- Limassol
Cycling Club
- Cyprus
Amateur Radio Society
- Life
Rescue Team
- Rescue
One
- Red
Cross
- F.A.S.T.
Rescue Team
- United
Bikers
Institutional bodies
- Cyprus
Olympic Committee
- Cyprus
Police
- Civil
Defence
- Lemesia
- Cyprus
Sports Organisation
- Deputy
Ministry of Tourism
- Ministry
of Health
- Ministry
of Education, Sport and Youth
Partners
- Limassol
Municipality
- Limassol
Tourism Development and Promotion Company
- Limassol
Chamber of Commerce and Industry