On Sunday 15 November 2026 the Larnaca Marathon takes over the seafront. The organisers expect more than 13,000 runners, over 3,000 of them from abroad, so if you are racing, supporting or staying in town that weekend, you will want to know where the course goes and where to eat once your legs stop shaking.
Race day at a glance
Every race starts and finishes at Finikoudes, the palm promenade in front of Larnaca Town Hall. The full marathon sets off at 7:00. The weekend also has a half marathon, 10 km and 5 km races, a corporate 5 km and a 1 km race for children, so whole families come to take part. Check the official race site for start times of the shorter races and for bib collection.
The route
From Finikoudes the marathon heads east along the Larnaca to Dhekelia road, the same coast road that leads to Oroklini, and turns back around the 5 km mark. Runners then come through the town centre and along Piale Pasha past the medieval castle. In the second half the course swings west along Artemidos Avenue beside the Salt Lake to the Hala Sultan Tekke mosque, heads toward the airport roundabout, and turns for home to finish back at Finikoudes.
The Salt Lake stretch is the prettiest part of the day. By mid November the winter rains have often started, and in some years the first flamingos are already on the water as the runners pass. Our guide to flamingos in Larnaca explains when they come.
Where to watch
Finikoudes has the atmosphere, with the start at dawn and a steady stream of finishers through the late morning. For a quieter view, walk out to the Salt Lake side on Artemidos Avenue, where you can cheer runners on the long straight with the mosque behind them. Roads on and around the course close on race morning, so leave the car early or walk.
Lunch after the race
Once the medals are on, most runners want two things: something salty and somewhere to sit down. Mer Bleue is on the Oroklini seafront, about ten minutes' drive east of Finikoudes along the Dhekelia road. The kitchen is open from 9:00, so a late breakfast works as well as lunch.
Grilled fish, grilled octopus at 24 euro and a big village salad put back what the race took out. Groups can share the fish meze at 33 euro a head, for two or more, and we suggest you book a table if you are coming as a running club or a big family. Race day is also the first day of the Orthodox Christmas fast, and fish is allowed that Sunday. Our guide to fish and the Christmas fast has all the dates.
If your legs need the sea afterwards, the water off Oroklini averages about 23°C in November, and the beach is shallow and calm. Our guide to the Larnaca sea temperature has the numbers.
Questions people ask
When is the Larnaca Marathon 2026?
Sunday 15 November 2026. The marathon starts at 7:00 at Finikoudes, in front of Larnaca Town Hall, where all the races finish.
What races are there at the Larnaca Marathon?
A full marathon, a half marathon, 10 km and 5 km races, a corporate 5 km and a 1 km race for children.
Does the Larnaca Marathon route pass the Salt Lake?
Yes. In the second half the course runs along Artemidos Avenue beside the Salt Lake to the Hala Sultan Tekke mosque before turning back toward the finish.
Where can I eat near Larnaca after the marathon?
Mer Bleue Beach Restaurant on the Oroklini seafront is about ten minutes' drive east of Finikoudes. It opens at 9:00 and the kitchen serves until 22:00.
Can I swim in Larnaca after the race in November?
Yes. The sea in Larnaca averages about 23°C in November, and Oroklini beach is shallow and calm.
Running or cheering? Browse the menu before race day.