Central Nicosia is preparing to host a substantial series of charity running races on Sunday, January 18, 2026, aiming to generate vital funds for a commendable cause. Authorities have announced that considerable traffic management and temporary road closures will be implemented across key thoroughfares from early morning until early afternoon. Residents and drivers are strongly advised to familiarise themselves with these altered traffic arrangements to minimise potential disruption.
These popular races, a consistent fixture in the city's community calendar, will attract hundreds of participants running through the capital's historic heart. To guarantee the safety of all runners and ensure the event progresses smoothly, a significant portion of central Nicosia's road network will be inaccessible to vehicles between 5:45 AM and 1:00 PM. This comprehensive closure will impact approximately two dozen streets and public spaces, requiring careful planning for those needing to travel within or through these affected zones.
Prominent streets such as Rigenis Street, Pafos Street, and Mikis Theodorakis Street will be temporarily closed. Additionally, the central Markos Drakos Square will experience curtailed traffic flow. Within the broader metropolitan area, specific sections of Georgiou Griva Dighenis Avenue, Prokopiou Street, and Archangelos Michael Avenue will have partial lane closures. These strategic closures are designed to accommodate the race routes, which are intended to highlight the city's central districts while maintaining a controlled environment for participants. Notably, stretches of Homer Avenue near the Solomos Statue and Eleftherias Square, alongside Stasinos Avenue, will also be subject to these temporary restrictions.
The Cyprus Police will be orchestrating traffic management, deploying officers to oversee diversions and offer public assistance. Drivers are urged to exercise vigilance and comply with temporary signage directing them to alternative routes. This police presence aims to ensure both runner safety and the efficient rerouting of traffic, thereby mitigating potential congestion. Comprehensive details regarding specific road closures and recommended parking areas are readily available online, with detailed maps accessible via the official Nicosia Marathon website, https://www.nicosiamarathon.com/.
While temporary inconvenience for drivers is anticipated, the event's overarching objective is to foster community spirit and generosity. Funds raised from these charitable races will support critical initiatives, underscoring the positive societal impact of such events. Participants will compete across various distances, accommodating both seasoned athletes and casual runners, all united by a shared purpose. The marathon's success depends significantly on public cooperation and understanding as the city collectively embraces this philanthropic endeavour. Consideration of public transport or alternative travel arrangements is highly recommended to ease congestion during the specified hours.