Great Race Galway 10k took place in the Galway Racecourse, Ballybrit, Galway, Ireland on 17th June 2012. A big thank you to all the runners, supporters and helpers that made this new running event happen and kick off with such a great atmosphere.
The weather forecasters proved gloriously wrong last Sunday as the inaugural edition of the Great Race Galway 10k brought people in their hundreds to the Ballybrit Racecourse. The AAI permitted road race started and finished on the hallowed racecourse, and did a loop of the country roads near Briarhill in between. The race organisers paid respect to Father’s day by arranging a free family fun day and children’s race before the main event. For most people, the tough uphill at 6k from the Tuam road to Ballybrit was the crunch moment in an otherwise very fast course. The winner on the day was Michael Shannon in a fine time of 32:45, followed by Fintan Hyland and Owen Byrne of Galway City Harriers in 33:20 and 34:15 respectively. The women’s race was won clearly by Anne Lennon of Mayo AC in 39:57 followed by Loretto Duggan of St.Mary’s Clare and Sinead Brody of Athenry AC in 42:30 and 42:40 respectively. The athletes ran home to the sound of their children playing bongo drums in a drum workshop set out by the organisers as one of the family activities to complete a very unique atmosphere.
Full results of the race click here.
Photos can be found here