Streets of Galway 8km
The Blackrock Health Galway Clinic sponsored 38th annual Streets of Galway 8k road race took centre stage last Saturday, with a huge field and tremendous atmosphere around the city for the race. Hosts Galway City Harriers once again put on a great show, with over 3,200 entries in total and record crowds lining the route on a superb evening for racing.
Race start at 7pm saw a front pack of five break away in the first kilometer, as reigning champion David McGlynn of Waterford AC, Craughwell duo William Fitzgerald and Jamie Fallon, and Clare’s Kenneth Rogers and Jake O Regan ,both of St Johns AC, took charge at the head of the field
McGlynn put in two very fast miles, 4.36 and 4.37, at the outset as he pushed the pace right from the gun, and his effort meant he broke away at the Cathedral from the chasing pack. He stayed clear despite a headwind along St Mary’s Road slowing him, and picked up pace again in the Promenade to surge home to victory in South Park in a fast time of 23.43. Craughwell duo Jamie Fallon and William Fitzgerald battled hard for second and third, with Fallon leading until the last 200m when Fitzgerald kicked for home and came in second in 24.13 to his clubmates 24.13, with Rodgers fourth and O Regan fifth home,
In the Ladies section Norah Newcombe of Mayo AC who was third last, jumped to first this year with a front running performance, claiming victory in 30.11, holding off Ciara Foy who came in second in 30.15 ahead of Kate Collins Smyth of Galway Triathlon who had a super run for third
GCH would like to thank all in the City and surrounds for their support including the 300+ volunteers who made the event happen, the Council, Gardai, the residents of the Claddagh and especially all those who raced the iconic route.
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International Masters
Some of Galways best Masters athletes have travelled to Gothenburg in Sweden this week for the European Masters last weekend. GCHs Linda Nally and Jim Phelan go in the sprint’s events while Sean McDermott and Ian Egan from Castlegar will feature in the distance and cross-country events.
