The Office of the Special Adviser to the Secretary-General on Cyprus (OSASG) has increasingly
embraced sports-based initiatives as a powerful bridge between communities—bringing together people
across the island who might not otherwise interact.
For instance, through the Technical Committee on Culture, OSASG supported a Run for Peace in
September 2023, organized by the bicommunal running association Runite across the divided capital
of Nicosia. Following the success of that event, Runite—with support from OSASG and UNDP—embarked
on an even more ambitious initiative: a coast-to-coast run.
The Coast-to-Coast Run
On 23 November 2024, runners set off from Kyrenia/Girne in the north and Larnaca in the south,
converging in Nicosia. Spanning over 80 kilometers in several segments, the event welcomed
participants of all levels. With around 250 runners from both communities and beyond—including
members of the diplomatic corps—this event showcased the power of outdoor sports in bringing people
together.
Capturing the Moment
This inspiring journey has been captured in a 10-minute documentary film, Running for Peace, which
premiered on 11 March in Nicosia to an audience of approximately 100 participants. The screening
featured SRSG/DSASG Colin Stewart, representatives from both communities, as well as media, members
of running associations, and civil society groups.
Contacts:
📌 Sergiy Illarionov, Head of Office, OSASG – illarionov@un.org
📌 Arnaud Amouroux, Political Affairs Officer, OSASG- amouroux@un.org
