Over 200 lined up in the small hamlet of Newcastle, about four

miles outside of Athenry this evening for the first of the

Galway May 5KM series.

The sun split the bog out there though it was also noticeably

breezy. By race start the sun had momentarily gone in but it

didn't damp the international (Italian, Dutch and Australian

visitors) field.

At just after 8:03 PM, Alan Burke blew his whistle to start the

dash down to the first corner, which was negotiated without any

major shunting incidents. From there on, it was plain sailing

for most of the competitors.

The course was mostly flat but did toss in a punishing section on

the main Athenry to Monivea road, between 2.5 and 3.5 KM. To

compensate, from 3.5 KM to the finish, it was mostly downhill.

Overall the course was uphill, which is but a little consolation

for those who didn't run to plan.

The first 43 runners broke 20 minutes while 56 broke 21, 78

breaking 22 and 90 runners dipping under 23 minutes etc.

Many thanks to all who competed and we'll hopefully see you in

Tuam next week

We would love to hear from you about your comments on the race

and its organisation. Obviously from the turnout last night we

were expecting closer to 100 participants than the 210-some we

actually got. The caused us some problems when it came to the

finish and the lack of water that some later finishers did or

didn't receive. For this, we sincerely apologise. We were the

victims of our own success...