Central Nicosia will be abuzz with philanthropic energy this coming Sunday, January 18, 2026, as the city hosts a series of charity running races. The event, designed to raise vital funds for a worthy cause, will necessitate substantial traffic management and temporary road closures across key thoroughfares from early morning until early afternoon. Authorities are urging drivers and residents to familiarise themselves with the altered traffic arrangements to minimise disruption.
The races, a staple of the city's community calendar, will see hundreds of participants lace up their running shoes to traverse various routes winding through the heart of the capital. To ensure the safety of runners and facilitate the smooth progression of the event, a significant portion of central Nicosia's road network will be inaccessible to vehicular traffic between the hours of 5:45 AM and 1:00 PM. This comprehensive closure will impact approximately two dozen streets and public spaces, necessitating careful planning for those intending to travel within or through the affected zones.
Key arteries that will be subject to temporary closures include Rigenis Street, Pafos Street, and Mikis Theodorakis Street. Furthermore, the bustling Markos Drakos Square will also see its usual flow of traffic curtailed. In the broader metropolitan area, specific sections of Georgiou Griva Dighenis Avenue, Prokopiou Street, and Archangelos Michael Avenue will experience partial lane closures. These closures are strategically implemented to accommodate the race routes, which are designed to showcase the city's central districts while keeping participants within a controlled environment. Notably, stretches of Homer Avenue in the vicinity of the Solomos Statue and Eleftherias Square, as well as Stasinos Avenue, will also be affected by the temporary restrictions.
The Cyprus Police will be at the forefront of managing the event, deploying officers to oversee traffic diversions and provide assistance to the public. Drivers are advised to remain vigilant and adhere to temporary signage that will be erected to guide them along alternative routes. The police presence is intended to ensure both the safety of the runners and the efficient rerouting of traffic, mitigating potential gridlock. Information regarding the specific road closures and recommended parking areas has been made readily available online, with detailed maps accessible via the official Nicosia Marathon website, https://www.nicosiamarathon.com/. This resource is invaluable for anyone planning to navigate the city on Sunday morning.
While the temporary inconvenience to drivers is unavoidable, the overarching objective of the day is to foster a spirit of community and generosity. The funds raised through these charitable races will be directed towards critical initiatives, underscoring the positive impact of such events on society. Participants will compete across a range of distances, catering to both seasoned athletes and casual runners, all united by a common purpose. The success of the marathon hinges not only on the efforts of the runners but also on the cooperation and understanding of the public as the city collectively embraces this philanthropic endeavour. Residents and visitors alike are encouraged to consider public transport or alternative travel arrangements where possible to ease congestion during the specified hours.