Giorgos Tofi has cemented his name in the history of the Logicom Cyprus Marathon. The only Cypriot ever to win the Marathon, he also holds the marathon course record of 2:29:31 and the 5km record of 15:59. A dominant force in the local running scene, he has multiple victories across different distances and continues to push his limits. This year, he sets his sights on new challenges, competing in both the 10km and 5km races, aiming to leave yet another mark on the event.
Q: You are the only Cypriot to have won the Logicom Cyprus Marathon and currently hold the course records for both the Marathon (2:29:31) and the 5km race (15:59). How does it feel to have written history?
Giorgos: I am very proud of this achievement. Holding the marathon record, and being the first Cypriot to win the race while securing first place in the national championship are among the significant successes in my athletic career.
Q: You’ve dominated the 5km race, winning it multiple times (2017, 2021, 2022, 2023). What makes this distance special for you? Would you say it’s your favourite distance, or do you prefer longer distances?
Giorgos: I prefer shorter distances, especially the 5km, over longer races. I love racing, and I can frequently run 5km or 10km races in training without them affecting my overall training goals. I also enjoy these races because they are more “aggressive” and since the distance isn’t as intimidating, I can take more risks with my pace, which excites me.
Q: Last year, you set the course record for the marathon with an incredible 2:29:31. Can you take us through that race, what was your strategy, and what did it take to achieve that performance (both in training and during the race)?
Giorgos: My preparation for the Marathon in Paphos was based on the training I did for the Valencia Marathon in December 2023. That race didn’t exhaust me, so I was able to resume training a week later. I usually have 12 training sessions per week, covering up to 190km. During last year’s race, I was competing against an excellent Polish runner, Filip Inglot, which pushed me to take risks. I felt good and went all out from the start, passing the halfway mark at 1:12. The last 7km were tough due to strong headwinds, which prevented me from finishing 1-2 minutes faster.
Q: This year, you’re competing in both the 10km and 5km races. Do you have your sights set on breaking the 10km course record (31:54)? How do you adjust your training when transitioning from marathon preparation to shorter, faster races?
Giorgos: I usually divide my year into 3-4 training cycles based on my goals. Some periods focus on short distances, while others on longer races. This helps me avoid the monotony of one type of training while maintaining a good level across all distances. My goal this year is to win both the 5km and 10km races. I am in great shape to achieve both records, but factors like the weather, competition, and how I feel on race day will play a role. I’m really looking forward to March 8-9. Be there to make sure you find out what happens!
Q: What does a typical training week look like for you? How do you balance speed workouts with endurance training and what keeps you motivated for pushing your limits? How do you approach nutrition and hydration? Any tips?
Giorgos: A typical training week includes 12 sessions, covering 150-190km per week. My training model includes two “double threshold” days per week, one session in the morning at marathon or half-marathon pace, and another in the evening with shorter, faster intervals at 5km or 10km pace. This is a key method used by elite runners worldwide. Setting goals is easy for me, it could be winning a race or achieving a personal best. By setting realistic, long-term goals, I usually work towards succeeding them.
Q: What advice would you give to young or beginner runners who dream of setting personal records and improving their performance.
Giorgos: My advice for young runners is to be patient. Running is a sport where proper improvement takes time, and avoiding injuries is crucial. They should enjoy running, be happy about their progress, and not stress about tough training sessions. Improvement will come naturally. Also, too much information can be harmful, everyone has different abilities, body types, work schedules, and commitments. There isn’t a one-size-fits-all training formula.
Q: The Logicom Cyprus Marathon attracts runners from all over the world. How does it feel to represent Cyprus on an international stage and inspire local runners to follow your example?
Giorgos: The Marathon in Paphos is one of the biggest races in Cyprus, attracting many international athletes. I love competing against strong runners because it makes me better, and this event is a great opportunity to represent Cyprus. I hope my achievements encourage more people to start running or continue improving. Sports are a source of health and happiness when practiced in the right way.
