The countdown for the XM Limassol Marathon 2026 has officially begun, following a press conference held on Thursday, March 12, at the Panos Solomonides Cultural Centre in Limassol. This year’s event is taking place for the first time with the support of XM as the title sponsor.

The event will take place over the weekend of March 21 and 22, 2026, with more than 17,000 runners from around 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, with the initiative and support of XM, the marathon is joining forces with the Cyprus Multiple Sclerosis Association, supporting actions that assist people living with multiple sclerosis.

The Mayor of Limassol, Yiannis Armeftis, welcomed the press conference, noting that “every year, the XM Limassol Marathon brings thousands of runners from Cyprus and abroad to our city, highlighting Limassol’s dynamic as a destination for sporting events.”

XM Co-CEO Stavri Morti also spoke about the importance of the collaboration with the Limassol Marathon and the initiative supporting the Cyprus Multiple Sclerosis Association. As she noted, “it is a great honor for XM to support the Limassol Marathon for the first time as the title sponsor. Limassol is our home and a community we proudly support.”

The Chairman of the XM Limassol Marathon Board, Spyros Spyrou, spoke about the multidimensional character of the event and its importance for society, the economy, and sport, emphasizing that “this great celebration is also a reflection of Limassol itself. It reflects the city’s tradition of being pioneering, open to new ideas, believing in collective social action, known for its hospitality, and deeply connected with sport.”

As part of the collaboration between XM and the Multiple Sclerosis Association, runners will have the option during registration to contribute €1, €5, or €10 to support the Association. Speaking about the initiative, the Association’s President, Georgia Demofanous, noted that it “meaningfully strengthens the services we offer to people with multiple sclerosis, such as physiotherapy programs, psychological support, and social assistance.”

The local community also plays an important role in the event. Students from the American Academy Limassol are actively participating in the preparations of the cheering points along the route, contributing their energy and creativity to the unique atmosphere of the race.

Speaking about the support of the event’s children’s race, McDonald’s Cyprus Head of CSR Katerina Andreou stated: “At McDonald’s we believe that sport and participation cultivate values that accompany children throughout their lives. Through the McDonald’s Kids Race 1 km we want to give every child the opportunity to feel the joy of participation and take their first steps into the world of sport.”

Representing the communication sponsor ANT1 and ANT1 Radio, the Group’s Director of Public Relations Antigoni Papafilippou noted that “ANT1 is once again present this year as the exclusive communication sponsor,” while congratulating the organizers for the excellent organization of the XM Limassol Marathon.

During the press conference, short videos were presented featuring 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 and managed to achieve it with the support of the 365 Foundation and the 365 Dream Team, who secured a special wheelchair so she could fulfill her dream.

The organizers expressed their thanks to all sponsors, partners, and volunteers who contribute each year to the success of the event.

XM’s contribution is particularly significant for this year’s marathon, as the company connects its name with Cyprus’ leading sporting event as both title sponsor and sponsor of the marathon distance, while also supporting the event’s social dimension.

Spectators are reminded that entry is free for all races included in the weekend’s program.

TITLE SPONSOR: XM

RACE SPONSORS:

Marathon Distance Sponsor: XM

Half Marathon Sponsor: Muskita Aluminium Industries

Energy Race 10 km Sponsor: Petrolina

5 km Individual Race Sponsor: Axlebolt

Corporate 5 km Race Sponsor: Primetel

Kids Race 1 km 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 Association

Periklis Demetriou Runners Association

Dromea Racing Runners Association

Cyprus Guides Association

Limassol Cycling Club

Cyprus Radio Amateurs Association

Life Rescue Team

Rescue One

Red Cross

F.A.S.T. Rescue Team

United Bikers

INSTITUTIONAL PARTNERS:

Cyprus Olympic Committee

Cyprus Police

Civil Defence

Lemesia

Cyprus Sports Organization

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

Source: Offsite