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Joanna Sophia Fun Run/Walk Around the World in 5K Returns to Cyprus to Raise Awareness About Epilepsy and Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP)

— PRESS RELEASE —

PAPHOS, Cyprus — September 30, 2026 — Following last year’s successful event, the Joanna Sophia Foundation is once again joining forces with Round Table 7 Paphos, with the support of the Municipality of Paphos, to host the 2nd Joanna Sophia Fun Run/Walk Around the World in 5K on Sunday, October 25, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. at Castle Square in Paphos. A Family Fun Festival, in collaboration with the Cyprus Red Cross Paphos Branch, will take place from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

The event raises awareness about epilepsy and Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP) while honoring the memory of Joanna Sophia, who passed away unexpectedly in 2018 at just nine years old due to SUDEP.

Fun for the whole family at Joanna Sophia Fun Run Walk 2026. Image © Constantinos Larkos / courtesy Joanna Sophia FoundationEveryone is welcome at the Joanna Sophia Fun Run/Walk Around the World in 5K, from experienced runners and running groups, to families with children of all ages. Participants will come together to support the Foundation’s mission and provide assistance to families in need.

This one-of-a-kind Fun Run/Walk will feature surprises, Instagram-worthy inflatables straight from New York, excitement, and other happenings along Paphos’ scenic coastal route, with views of the world’s No. 1 sunset.

Kostas Ioannou, Joanna Sophia’s father and founder of the Joanna Sophia Foundation, thanked everyone who participated in last year’s event. “For our family, this is much more than simply a run. It is an opportunity to honor Joanna Sophia’s memory while raising greater awareness about SUDEP and epilepsy,” said Ioannou.

He also shared that parents who experience this kind of loss have no choice but to keep going, to get back up and move forward, and that all of us should strive to live our lives to the fullest. He invited the public to take part in this year’s Fun Run/Walk and help strengthen the message of #LetJoannaInspireYou.

© Constantinos Larkos / courtesy Joanna Sophia Foundation

The Municipality of Paphos and Round Table 7 Paphos also recognize the importance of the event to the community and the cause it supports. “Following last year’s success and seeing the happy faces of both children and adults, we are thrilled that the Joanna Sophia Foundation has once again entrusted us with the 2nd Fun Run/Walk,” said Leondios Tselepos of Round Table 7 Paphos.

Tselepos said this year’s event will once again offer a unique and fun run at sunset. The Cyprus Red Cross Paphos Branch Family Fun Festival will also take place at Castle Square beginning in the morning, creating a full day of activities for the entire family.

“Together, it promises to be an unforgettable day for the entire family,” Tselepos said. “Join us as we raise awareness in Cyprus about SUDEP and epilepsy and #LetJoannaInspireYou.”

For more information about the Foundation and to register for the event, visit joannasophiafoundation.org.

ABOUT THE JOANNA SOPHIA FOUNDATION

The Joanna Sophia Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing public awareness of epilepsy, supporting SUDEP research, and providing financial assistance to families caring for children with epilepsy. For more information, please visit joannasophiafoundation.org.

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