Efrar offers runners, spectators labels in memory of loved ones

RUNNERS and spectators at next weekend’s Esentepe Fun, Run and Ramble (Efrar) will be invited to buy a label in memory of loved ones, to be tied to a special tree due to be planted by the end of the month.

In another first for this year’s event — the eighth one to raise funds for the Help Those With Cancer Association (Tulips) — a gala dinner is also being lined up for May 14.

One hundred and fifty diners will be served a five-course dinner, at the Elexus Hotel, with live musical entertainment, at a cost of 175TL per person — for tickets email suesteel@hotmail.com.

Meanwhile, organisers and runners alike are counting down to the “main event”, the fun run next Sunday, April 15, at which participants will take on 2km, 5km and 8km distances — as well as an inaugural “ladiesonly” 5km race.

Mary Watson, outgoing chairman of the fun run organising committee, said yesterday they were “very excited” in the run-up to the day.

“We have no idea what to expect from the turn-out but believe it will be a well-supported fun run, as each year we have more people turn up for a good cause.”

Mrs Watson said organisers were aiming for a “festival spirit” on the day, and also hoped to see more Turkish Cypriots take part, along with youngsters from local schools.

There will be medals for all competitors, plus tropies for individual category winners, plus a range of stalls selling items from cakes to soap, jams to handicrafts, and more.

Registrations will be open on the day from 8.30am until 9.30am, when the 8km race gets under way — followed by the 2km race at 10.40am, the women’s 5km at 11am and the general 5km race 15 minutes later.

With hot weather forecast, runners and walkers are being urged to keep hydrated and to wear hats and sun cream.