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