Cyprus Ultra Q & A
Q: What is Cyprus Ultra?
A: Cyprus Ultra™ is a planned series of extreme endurance ultra distance trail races in Cyprus. A joint venture between USA based Wayne Kurtz of Racetwitch.com and Cyprus partner Michael Rivers.
Q: What is Cyprus?
A: Mike was actually asked this question on a recent trip to the U.S. - Firstly Cyprus is not a disease or anything catchy, but a small country situated in the warm Mediterranean. There is often confusion about Cyprus, some think its a Greek island connected with Greece, its not. Cyprus is a small island, but its also an independent country and member of the E.U.
Q: When is the next race planned for?
A: The next race will be Saturday 28th July 2012. 50 mile and 135 mile mountain trail ultra during one of the hottest weekends of the year.
Q: Why would I go to the expense of traveling to Cyprus when there are plenty of 50 and 100 + mile ultras in my own country?
A: Created by two passionate ultra distance runners, Cyprus Ultra is not just another ultra, its been carefully designed to test the human body and mind to its very limit while still remaining safe and perfectly runnable, and just Imagine the feeling of swimming in the warm crystal clear Mediterranean sea the day after completing one of the toughest ultra endurance races in the world. We have beautiful sandy beaches just 30 minutes from the race start location and more warm sunshine hours per day than just about any other European country. So instead of spending thousands of dollars traveling to a race in your own country, see somewhere new and exotic with Cyprus Ultra.
Q: What can I expect on race day?
A: Besides one hell of a race that will push you to your limits, you can expect a professionally organised event with your personal safety and enjoyment of paramount importance. The founder Wayne Kurtz has some 25 years of ultra running experience, his passion and endurance running experience is legendary. To fully appreciate the passion behind Cyprus Ultra get yourself a copy of his book 'Beyond The Iron'.
Q: What is the cut off finish time for the July 28th 2012 135 mile Donkey Ultra?
A: 48 hours.
Q: What will the terrain be like?
A: We will be running at altitude high up in the mountains north of the town of Limassol. Typically 4 meter wide dusty trail roads with continuous never ending hills to climb and descents. During the race its unlikely that you will come across any human traffic of any kind, just a deadly silence and the occasional snake to keep you company. Each climb/descend is around a quarter mile with an elevation gain/descent of around 150 meters. You will be running up and down hills more than any other race you have ever done before, and on loose rocky ground and temperatures well north of 100F (July race), it will be challenging for sure. Breathtaking scenery and an eerie silence, ocean views and spectacular mountain backdrops.
Q: Which airports do I fly to?
A: There are two international airports in Cyprus, Larnaca Airport and Paphos Airport. They are both around 60 miles from the camp site and Limassol town, just get the best deal/flight times to either of these airports. Taxi's are plentiful at both airports as well big name car hire companies. We'll soon have discount codes for you to use for car hire so just book your flights for now.
Q: Will there be an after party celebration?
A: Yes, and its free to participants of the races. We have a traditional local Cypriot taverna as a partner to Cyprus Ultra in the spectacular mountains range location of the race start/finish.
Q: How will I get to the race location?
A: You'll need to hire a car or get a Taxi to the village of Vasa Kellagiou, a 40 minute journey from the centre of Limassol. Once you get to the village call the helpline number enclosed in your race pack and someone will pick you up in a 4 x 4 vehicle to transfer you to the race camp. Don't try to get to the race start in a rental car or you'll be handing it back minus the exhaust and suspension.
Q: Will there be any refreshments at the start location?
A: Tea, coffee, water, local cakes and sandwiches will be available at the race start location. Vegan, vegetarian, dairy allergies will all be catered for. If there's anything specific you would like to see on the menu please just ask. Remember, there are no stores, banks or anything else in the local vicinity, so bring everything you need for the duration of the race.
Q: Who is Wayne Kurtz?
A: A passionate endurance athlete, author and a really nice guy. Check out some radio interviews he did recently in the U.S. Links below.
Wayne Kurtz radio interview 'Beyond The Iron'.
Wayne Kurtz radio interview Pittsburgh Marathon May 2011 'Beyond The Iron'.
Q: Who is Michael Rivers?
A: A passionate ultra runner originally from London, now based in Limassol Cyprus and founder of ' i run pure '.
A: Cyprus Ultra™ is a planned series of extreme endurance ultra distance trail races in Cyprus. A joint venture between USA based Wayne Kurtz of Racetwitch.com and Cyprus partner Michael Rivers.
Q: What is Cyprus?
A: Mike was actually asked this question on a recent trip to the U.S. - Firstly Cyprus is not a disease or anything catchy, but a small country situated in the warm Mediterranean. There is often confusion about Cyprus, some think its a Greek island connected with Greece, its not. Cyprus is a small island, but its also an independent country and member of the E.U.
Q: When is the next race planned for?
A: The next race will be Saturday 28th July 2012. 50 mile and 135 mile mountain trail ultra during one of the hottest weekends of the year.
Q: Why would I go to the expense of traveling to Cyprus when there are plenty of 50 and 100 + mile ultras in my own country?
A: Created by two passionate ultra distance runners, Cyprus Ultra is not just another ultra, its been carefully designed to test the human body and mind to its very limit while still remaining safe and perfectly runnable, and just Imagine the feeling of swimming in the warm crystal clear Mediterranean sea the day after completing one of the toughest ultra endurance races in the world. We have beautiful sandy beaches just 30 minutes from the race start location and more warm sunshine hours per day than just about any other European country. So instead of spending thousands of dollars traveling to a race in your own country, see somewhere new and exotic with Cyprus Ultra.
Q: What can I expect on race day?
A: Besides one hell of a race that will push you to your limits, you can expect a professionally organised event with your personal safety and enjoyment of paramount importance. The founder Wayne Kurtz has some 25 years of ultra running experience, his passion and endurance running experience is legendary. To fully appreciate the passion behind Cyprus Ultra get yourself a copy of his book 'Beyond The Iron'.
Q: What is the cut off finish time for the July 28th 2012 135 mile Donkey Ultra?
A: 48 hours.
Q: What will the terrain be like?
A: We will be running at altitude high up in the mountains north of the town of Limassol. Typically 4 meter wide dusty trail roads with continuous never ending hills to climb and descents. During the race its unlikely that you will come across any human traffic of any kind, just a deadly silence and the occasional snake to keep you company. Each climb/descend is around a quarter mile with an elevation gain/descent of around 150 meters. You will be running up and down hills more than any other race you have ever done before, and on loose rocky ground and temperatures well north of 100F (July race), it will be challenging for sure. Breathtaking scenery and an eerie silence, ocean views and spectacular mountain backdrops.
Q: Which airports do I fly to?
A: There are two international airports in Cyprus, Larnaca Airport and Paphos Airport. They are both around 60 miles from the camp site and Limassol town, just get the best deal/flight times to either of these airports. Taxi's are plentiful at both airports as well big name car hire companies. We'll soon have discount codes for you to use for car hire so just book your flights for now.
Q: Will there be an after party celebration?
A: Yes, and its free to participants of the races. We have a traditional local Cypriot taverna as a partner to Cyprus Ultra in the spectacular mountains range location of the race start/finish.
Q: How will I get to the race location?
A: You'll need to hire a car or get a Taxi to the village of Vasa Kellagiou, a 40 minute journey from the centre of Limassol. Once you get to the village call the helpline number enclosed in your race pack and someone will pick you up in a 4 x 4 vehicle to transfer you to the race camp. Don't try to get to the race start in a rental car or you'll be handing it back minus the exhaust and suspension.
Q: Will there be any refreshments at the start location?
A: Tea, coffee, water, local cakes and sandwiches will be available at the race start location. Vegan, vegetarian, dairy allergies will all be catered for. If there's anything specific you would like to see on the menu please just ask. Remember, there are no stores, banks or anything else in the local vicinity, so bring everything you need for the duration of the race.
Q: Who is Wayne Kurtz?
A: A passionate endurance athlete, author and a really nice guy. Check out some radio interviews he did recently in the U.S. Links below.
Wayne Kurtz radio interview 'Beyond The Iron'.
Wayne Kurtz radio interview Pittsburgh Marathon May 2011 'Beyond The Iron'.
Q: Who is Michael Rivers?
A: A passionate ultra runner originally from London, now based in Limassol Cyprus and founder of ' i run pure '.
