No Sign of Elvis in Roundstone, but Captain America fronts up!

On a glorious day for running, 150 eager souls signed up for the 2nd annual Roundstone Bay 8K on Saturday 19th May 2012 and made their way to the start line in the heart of Connemara. There was a strong local representation with runners from Roundstone, Ballyconneely, Clifden, Cashel and Carna. Allied to that were participants from the rest of Galway County as well as people hailing from Clare, Limerick, Louth, Westmeath, Dublin, Cork, Limerick, Northern Ireland, the UK and even the USA. With a big increase in numbers from the previous year, the competition promised to be fierce and so it transpired.

The atmosphere on the day was electric with runners of all ages making their way to Roundstone. A DJ was on hand before the race kicked off to get everybody pumped up and in the mood for giving their all on the day. A pre-race warmup was also organised for all participants with Alan Quin and Padraic Colhoun of Alan Quin Fitness doing the honours, capably assisted by the Avenger’s own Captain America!

At 1pm the race was started by Joe Cadmus of the USA who has officiated at races in Madison Square Gardens in New York. The course took runners out around the back of Roundstone village and then joined the Ballyconneely Road just after the1K mark. From here, the course veered left into Ervallagh where participants  were  treated to stunning coastal views as the they meandered past beaches and harbours while the road hugged the Atlantic Ocean. The outward part of the race reached Gurteen Beach and the runners then looped back onto the main road for a straight run into Roundstone, finishing opposite Roundstone House Hotel in the heart of the village. Again there was a DJ, with music and a festive atmosphere to greet all the runners as they made their way home.

The winners’ prizes consisted of local pottery specially commissioned for the occasion from Rose O’Toole and Seamus Laffan of Roundstone Ceramics. A unique memento of a special day in Roundstone.

Timmy Glavey from Mayo was first past the post in 28.10, closely followed by Brian O’Connor and Damien Ridge of Galway City Harriers. In the age category winners, local man Sean Nee was the winner in the Over 40s, with John Joyce (over 50) and Martin McEvilly (over 60) being the other recipients.

Roundstone’s  very own Martha Linnane, representing Galway Triathlon Club, was first lady home, with Patricia McAfee and Eimear Butler taking the other honours. Una Murphy was the winner in the female 40 catergory, while Majella Ni Chriochain took home the prize in the female 50 bracket.

A big thanks must go out to all the stewards, organisers, sponsors and supporters who conspired to make the day the huge success that it was. The proceeds of the race go towards a hugely worthwhile cause – the local RNLI Lifeboat Service, and it was great to see so many people turn up to support these fantastic volunteers. With the serious business of the day attended to, all that was left was for everyone to enjoy the Apres Party in the Shamrock Bar, where Peter Byrne and the Glass Onion Band entertained the tired-but-happy souls late into the night. Elvis may not have put in an appearance this time, but Captain America was still going strong as the sun came up… Roll on 2013!