Essential Greek for 2018 OPAP Limassol Marathon GSO

The 2018 OPAP Limassol Marathon GSO takes place on Saturday 17^th and Sunday 18^th March and the race organisers have published some essential Greek phrases to enable those travelling to Cyprus to get the most out of their trip.

A total of 15,000 runners are expected to gather in Limassol for the weekend celebration of sport which includes the OPAP Limassol Marathon GSO, Limassol Half Marathon, Petrolina 10K Energy Race, 5K City Race, PrimeTel 5K Corporate Race and Andrey and Julia Dashin’s Foundation Youth Race.

The event is enjoyed by runners from all over the world thanks to its spectacular setting, flat and fast route along the beautiful Mediterranean coastline and warm and friendly welcome. With cheap flights available from UK airports and a range of great-value race packages on offer, Limassol is a fantastic opportunity for a weekend away whilst enjoying a first-class spring race.

Those travelling to Limassol next week will find that a little understanding of the language will really enhance their experience and interaction with the friendly locals. Even a few basic words will help them to communicate and soak up the rich culture of the island, whether that’s while out ordering meze or enjoying the festivities of race weekend.

Greek is the language most commonly spoken in the south of the country and around major resorts such as Limassol. English is also prevalent, but there’s no doubt that making an effort to speak in the local language will be hugely appreciated and well worth the trouble of learning a few key phrases. Just smile, don’t worry too much about mistakes, and go for it!

General Greek Holiday Phrases

English                                                                        Greek

Hello / hi                                                                     Yassou
Good morning                                                            Kalimera
Good afternoon                                                          Kalo Apogevma
Good night                                                                  Kalo Vradi
How are you?                                                             Poso xronon ise?
Very well                                                                     Poli Kala
Thank you                                                                   Efharisto
Excuse me                                                                  Signomi
Please                                                                         Parakalo
Goodbye                                                                     Yassou
Cheers!                                                                       Gia Mas!
Yes                                                                               Nai
No                                                                                Ohi
How much does it cost?                                           Poso kanei
Do you speak English?                                              Milas Agglika?
Where is the beach / pool?                                       Pou einai I Thalassa/pisina?

Useful Greek Race Day Expressions

English                                                                        Greek

I am running the marathon / half marathon         Treho ton marathonio / miso marathonio
Water, please                                                              Nero parakalo
Where is the toilet?                                                     Pu ine e tualeta
Which way to the start line?                                      Pu ine I archi
Keep going!                                                                  Pame!
What a great run!                                                        Poli kali prospathia
I ran a PB (personal best)!                                         Etrexa rekor
The views were beautiful                                           I thea ine omorfi
I am tired                                                                      Ime kourasmenos
I am happy                                                                   Ime haroumenos
I will be back!                                                              Tha epistrepso

As an international race destination, Cyprus is one where British runners and visitors will feel quite at home, with driving on the left and no need for plug adaptors. In addition to English being widely spoken, they will recognise a number of well-known brands and shops in the major tourist areas.

OPAP Limassol Marathon GSO Race Director Andreas Spyrou commented: “We know that many of our running friends come to OPAP Limassol Marathon GSO not just for the race but for the whole cultural experience and superb hospitality that comes with it. For many, it is an ideal opportunity for a few days away enjoying the beaches, climate, food and history – and so we wanted to share a few words in Greek to help visitors the get the most out of their stay. We are very proud that people always remark on the friendly welcome they receive when visiting Limassol, and knowing a few words in the local language will enhance their experience even more. We are very much looking forward to welcoming athletes from all over the world to #RunLimassol next month.”

Entries are still open for the 2018 OPAP Limassol Marathon GSO. Registration fees are €60 for the marathon, €45 for the Half Marathon and €30 for the 10K Energy Race and the 5K City Race.

The #runLimassolPlus package is also still available: this includes the lowest accommodation rates across a range of budgets, 50% discount on race entry, technical t-shirt, pasta party pass, finisher’s photo, race pack delivery to the hotel and transportation to the start line.

Go to www.limassolmarathon.com for further details and to register.

You can also like the Facebook page and follow @RunLimassol #RunLimassol on Twitter to keep up-to-date with all the latest news about OPAP Limassol Marathon GSO.