April 15, 2025

TUI Cyprus Marathon joins TUI’s roster of in-destination sports events

Corporate
  • First TUI Cyprus Marathon will be held in Paphos, 8th of March 2026
  • TUI becomes exclusive travel & distribution partner, contract signed for at least three years
  • Marathon has a long legacy since 1999
Paphos / Hannover – One of the Mediterranean’s most iconic running events will be TUI-fied: The TUI Cyprus Marathon will be held on March 8th 2026 in beautiful Paphos. On top of being the title sponsor, TUI will be the exclusive distribution and travel partner.
The run joins the two iconic events TUI Rhodes Marathon – each April – and the TUI Palma Marathon Mallorca – each October as part of the TUI Mediterranean Marathon League.

The sunny run is growing due to its international appeal as well as its strong connection with the local community since its inception in 1999. It offers participants a range of races including the Full Marathon, Half-Marathon, 10km Race, 5km Sunset Run, and the ever-popular Wine Run - a unique post-marathon experience where participants run through the vineyards and end their race with a local wine tasting.

The sponsorship agreement will run at least until 2028, and reflects TUI’s ongoing commitment to promoting active and sports tourism as well as supporting its most beloved destinations across the region.

Strengthening TUI’s Presence in Europe’s Leading Marathons

The TUI Cyprus Marathon now becomes the third major race sponsored by TUI, forming part of the TUI Mediterranean Marathon League. Through this growing initiative, TUI continues to bring its SUN! FUN! RUN! concept to life by drawing visitors to TUI destinations during the shoulder season through joyful and inclusive sporting events. All marathon travel packages will be bookable through TUI shops, the TUI app, and online, making participation more accessible than ever.

Magnus Hüttenberend, Group Director responsible for TUI’s sponsoring activities, commented: “This new deal reinforces the commitment of TUI to our key destinations in the Mediterranean. This partnership is about more than sponsoring a marathon, it’s about connecting people through shared passions, promoting sustainable travel, and celebrating the beauty of destinations like Paphos. We’re honored to bring the TUI Cyprus Marathon into the TUI family. With the ‘Running in Cyprus’ team and the amazing support of local volunteers and partners, we look forward to expand on something truly special.

Stavros Kakourides, Race Director of the TUI Cyprus Marathon, commented:

“We are excited to welcome TUI to the Cyprus Marathon. This partnership will strengthen the event’s already significant international appeal, and with TUI’s support, we aim to further enhance the race experience for every participant. This is more than a milestone, it’s a recognition of our ongoing efforts to position Paphos as a year-round sports destination.”

The partnership between TUI and the Cyprus Marathon marks an exciting new chapter in TUI’s sponsoring strategy which only started in 2024, one that combines the energy of sport, the beauty of Cyprus, and the power of purposeful travel.

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About TUI Group

The TUI Group is one of the world's leading tourism groups and operates worldwide. The Group is headquartered in Germany. TUI shares are listed in the MDAX index of the Frankfurt Stock Exchange and in the regulated market of the Lower Saxony Stock Exchange in Hanover.

TUI Group offers its 20 million customers integrated services from a single source and forms the entire tourism value chain under one roof. The Group owns over 400 hotels and resorts with premium brands such as RIU, TUI Blue and Robinson and 18 cruise ships, ranging from the MS Europa and MS Europa 2 in the luxury class and expedition ships in the HANSEATIC class to the Mein Schiff fleet of TUI Cruises and cruise ships operated by Marella Cruises in the UK. The Group also includes Europe's leading tour operator brands and online marketing platforms, for example for hotel-only or flight-only offers, five airlines with more than 130 modern medium- and long-haul aircraft and around 1,200 travel agencies. In addition to expanding its core business with hotels and cruises via successful joint ventures and activities in vacation destinations, TUI is increasingly focusing on the expansion of digital platforms. The Group is transforming itself into a global tourism platform company.

Global responsibility for sustainable economic, environmental and social action is at the heart of our corporate culture. With projects in 25 countries, the TUI Care Foundation initiated by TUI focuses on the positive effects of tourism, on education and training and on strengthening environmental and social standards. In this way, it supports the development of vacation destinations. The globally active TUI Care Foundation initiates projects that create new opportunities for the next generation.

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