Along with the Cross Country, there are a large number of local permitted road races in the offing, starting with Loughrea 10KM this weekend.  

Then the re-scheduled Colemanstown 10KM.  

Then the Galway Bay (10KM, Half and Full) races (mostly sold out now).

Then the Carna and Moylough 10KMs on the same weekend in mid-October.

No excuses.