Yassou! Essential Greek Phrases to #RunLimassol

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    • OPAP Limassol Marathon GSO

    Organisers of OPAP Limassol Marathon GSO have shared some essential Greek phrases for those travelling to Cyprus for the popular international event this month.

    The popular PrimeTel 5K Corporate Race and the 1K Andrey and Julia Dashin’s Foundation Youth Race take place on Saturday 18th March, and the AIMS-accredited OPAP Limassol Marathon GSO, the Half Marathon, the Petrolina 10K Energy Race and the 5K City Race all set off at 7am on Sunday 19th March. Entries for all races are open.

    Limassol is the perfect destination for a spring race, offering a beautiful climate with pleasant Limassol Marathon GSOspring temperatures of 9-17⁰C as well as spectacular coastal scenery and magnificent views with the course stretching alongside the sparkling Mediterranean. Limassol is also easy to get to with many flight options to both Larnaca and Paphos.

    Although the majority of Cypriots speak excellent English, knowing some of the local language will make a difference to your experience of this friendly, welcoming island, whether you’re visiting Limassol as an athlete or a supporter. Being able to speak and understand a few words will enable you to communicate with the locals, soak up the culture and get so much more out of your stay.

    From basic holiday phrases to useful running-related expressions, this list of phrases is a must for anyone preparing for OPAP Limassol Marathon GSO weekend. The reward that comes from speaking to people in their own language is easily worth the effort of learning a few choice words. The important thing to remember is that any attempt by a visitor to speak a word in Greek is greatly appreciated – so smile, don’t worry too much about your accent, 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         Trexo ton marathonio/ miso marathonio

    Water, please                                                                Nero Parakalo

    Where are the toilets?                                                 Pou einai oi toualetes?

    Which way to the start line?                                       Pou einai I ekkinisi?

    Keep going!                                                                    PAME!

    What was my chip time?                                             Ti einai o hronos mou?

    What a great run!                                                         Oraia diadromi

    I ran a PB (personal best)!                                          Ekana rekor

    The views were beautiful                                            I thea itan omorfi

    I have hurt my foot / knee / leg                                 Htipisa to podi / gonato mou L

    I need to rest                                                                  Thelo ksekourasi

    Medal                                                                              Metalio

     

    British runners and visitors will feel at home quite easily in Limassol as, on top of the fact that English is widely spoken, you will drive on the left side of the road, don’t need to take any plug adaptors for your chargers, and will recognise a number of well-loved brands and shops in the major tourist areas.

    OPAP Limassol Marathon GSO Race Director Andreas Spyrou commented: “Whilst the race organisers and many locals speak English, we wanted to offer visiting athletes and their families the chance to pick up a few words in Greek and soak up the culture during their stay in Cyprus. Limassol is immensely rich in culture and we hope that our overseas visitors will take the opportunity to spend a few days either side of OPAP Limassol Marathon GSO to enjoy the fantastic beaches, food, history and hospitality of the local area. People always comment on the friendly welcome they receive when visiting Limassol and knowing just a few phrases in Greek will enhance their experience even more. We are looking forward to welcoming athletes from all over the world to #RunLimassol.”

    Now entering its 11th year, OPAP Limassol Marathon GSO, the official Cyprus Marathon, is fully accredited by AIMS, the Association of International Marathons and Distance Races. With its beautiful climate, flat and fast course, spectacular coastal scenery and plentiful history and culture, it is easy to see why the event is set to attract over 13,000 participants of all different nationalities to the island.

    OPAP Limassol Marathon GSO has put together a range of flexible packages to enable visiting athletes to enjoy a hassle-free and high quality race experience. These packages include accommodation and race day support as well as substantially discounted race registration fees. They offer an ideal way to enjoy a fantastic weekend away whilst running a race of the highest international standards.

    essential greek phrases Entry for all races is open, with individual race places costing 60 euros for the marathon, 45 euros for the half marathon, and 30 euros for the Petrolina 10K Energy Race and 5K City Race. A team of four entering the PrimeTel 5K Corporate Race costs 300 euros. The 1K Andrey and Julia Dashin’s Foundation Youth Race is free.

    Go to http://www.limassolmarathon.com/ for further race details and to register now.

    Like the Facebook page and follow @RunLimassol #RunLimassol #weadvance on Twitter to keep up-to-date with all the latest news about Limassol Marathon GSO.