The new route of the Athenry race in the Galway May 5k Series proved very popular with contestants and spectators last night (Tuesday 30th April). As well as everything else, it's nice to have a route that is actually close to Athenry and that one can jog to. Thanks to Tony Killarney and Frank Burke for taking the time to find a suitable route and to Mick Rice and Tony, again, for doing the measuring (not a small task).
A perfect evening for running continued the tradition of good weather for this great series which sold out within 14 mintues online. How many events of any sort - sport, entertainment, etc. - are there in Ireland that sell out that quickly? 646 ran the race: the highest number ever in any of the 5k series races over the years. 73 were from the Athenry club, a great total, and 12 managed to break the 20 minute barrier. Mairead Sullivan smashed her PB by recording 22:54, having never gone under 24 mintues previously.
Thanks for Marie Curran for turning up to start the race, hopefully she'll be back soon. Photos by Catherine Magnier.
See the dedicated website at http://www.5km.ie/.
Athenry members Pat McDonagh and Brian Somers, a cousin of Ray.
The spectators seemed very happy to have a race on their road.
Alan Burke shows us what he is capable of.
Results at http://www.redtagtiming.com/.