With all eyes on the brewing trouble that hurricane
Lorenzo may cause in the coming hours and days, plans are well afoot for Run
Galway Bay to storm ahead this Saturday 5th October. With the predicted weather
over the next 48 hours not making things easy for organisers of Run Galway Bay
and their key partners Tesco, they are continuing to prepare and take
precautions to plan and deliver another fantastic running event on the edge of
the city and shores of Galway Bay.
It is expected that almost 5,000 runners, joggers,
walkers and spectators will descend on Galway City for the annual Run Galway
Bay 10k, Half Marathon and Marathon which starts and finishes at Nimmo’s Pier,
The Claddagh this Saturday. Once again the race for entries this year was as
ferocious as the race to the finish line with all events selling out well ahead
of expectations quite a few weeks ago.
Fast
and Furious Racing in the Elite Ranks
Galway has drawn some of Ireland’s most notable
runners to the start line hoping to break the tape as the fastest athletes in
their category. Grace Lynch from Kerry
is an athlete with great form and results in 2019 to date, she is chasing a win
in Galway after successfully winning the Great Limerick Run this year. She lines out against some of Galway’s finest
females in the 10k, her 35:01 finish in a previous event will surely see her as
a top contender to break the tape on Saturday. Eoin Everard, is no stranger to
a fast-paced run, he is Kilkenny's first and only sub 4 minute miler and a
five-time national champion, this summer he ran 14.00.12 for 5k and will race
for glory on Saturday.
In the Half Marathon, the battle between multiple
former Run Galway Bay Champion Sergiu Ciobanu of Clonliffe Harriers up against
Raheny Shamrocks Freddy Keron Stuck is sure to set the course alight on
Saturday. The battle of these two
incredibly talented long-distance runners will be a sight to behold as they
tear up the 13.1 miles of the Run Galway Bay Half Marathon from 12:15pm
Snow
Skiers
The event has again attracted the interest of the
Irish Cross Country Skiing Team who will, for the third year, race the marathon
route on their roller skis. Included in the lineup is Irish Winter Olympian
Thomas Maloney-Westgaard. The Norwegian
native with Galway roots will aim to defend his title as fastest roller skier
on the day for the second time. He will be joined by fellow Irish Snow Skiers;
Brian Kennedy & Dominic Mcaleenan who will be in hot pursuit of the Winter
Olympian to the finish line.
International
Appeal
Participants travel from all over the world to enjoy
the fast, flat and fun route along the stunning shores of Galway Bay. Many are
making the trip to Galway especially for the event, including participants from
the UK, Spain, The Netherlands, Norway, Germany, the US and Australia to name
but a few. Closer to home, hundreds of
athletes from across Ireland will travel to Galway to enjoy the race day
experience of this iconic sporting event on the Wild Atlantic Way.
Running
for a Good Cause
Over 500 participants will take on the distances to
support causes close to their heart and to support others in need. Two such
causes being supported are Cancer Care West and Rosabel’s Rooms with over 250
people togging out in support of these specific charities and many others
running for their own reasons and in support of others.
Local
and Friendly on the International Stage
Race Director Ray O’Connor speaking about the event
said, “Whilst we are keeping a close eye on Storm Lorenzo and its potential
impact to the preparation for Run Galway Bay, we are full steam ahead for a
great day on Saturday and we are delighted to have Tesco on board as our title
sponsor. This event is a special one, from
the spectacular route to the wonderful participants, the rising numbers of
spectators and of course the finish line experience we are excited to deliver
another great race in Galway for the numerous people who race with us every
year and of course to create some memories of a lifetime for those who join us
for the first time in 2019. With a very friendly, local vibe and a truly
international field of participants we are looking forward to another great day
of racing on the shores of Galway Bay. “
Event
Details
Run Galway Bay gets underway at 8:30am with the Full
Marathon, the 10k will start at 10:30am and the Half Marathon will start at
12:15pm. Roads will be closed Westbound
only from 8am -2:30pm along the race route of Grattan Rd and Salthill Promenade
for the duration of the event.
With such a large entry into this year’s event, participants and spectators are advised to arrive early to the race start line at Nimmos Pier. The winner of the Marathon and 10K are expected by 11:00 am with the winner of the Half Marathon expected by 1:20pm. For more information on the event go to www.rungalwaybay.com
