The Final Countdown: 2011 Corrib Oil Streets of Galway
The final countdown for the 2011 Corrib Oil Streets of Galway 8k. Entries are closed and have topped 2500 for the second year running. There’s definitely a running boom or something going on!
All entrants need to collect their race-packs from the Claddagh Hall in Southpark, either on Friday 3pm-7pm or on Saturday 10am-5pm. This will contain the timing chip which is to be tied onto shoelaces, the race number and safety pins with which to attach the number to the front of your singlet or jersey. Sponsors Corrib Oil have also thrown in a couple of vouchers for good measure. The t-shirts are also collected alongside the race-packs. Two production lines of Harriers filled race-packs into the small hours, so all is ready to go! Also, remember to call into the Claddagh Hall again after the race. The chief brack butterer has been appointed and there will be plenty of tea and cake. The prizes will also be presented there at 9pm. The after-after party will be in Monroe’s where many of the volunteers and visitors will retire after the clean-up operation, so all are welcome to join us there a bit later on.
This year, the race for the major honours will be wide open. Reigning champion David Rooney won’t be here as he competes in the National Track & Field championships in Santry on Sunday in the 5,000m. He ran a super 28:54.86 for a 10,000m in May, but might be up against Ciaran O’Lionard who just posted a phenomenal 3:34.43 for a 1500m in Belgium a few days ago. These guys are still U23. The National Championships are being held a week later than usual this year, hence the clash.
Anyway, back to the Streets… Raheny Shamrocks will be back to defend their title. They’ll surely miss David and dad Seamus, but there is strength in depth, what with Cillian O’Leary, Simon Ryan, Vinny Mulvey, Bernard Roe and John Lally all on the start list. The locals in GCH could have a shout, with four runners aiming for around a 26 minute finish: Matt Bidwell, Matt Lockett, Owen Byrne and Seamus Garrity. We’ll have to make sure we don’t wear them out with chores before the race:) Gerry Ryan is also competing, and no-one will discount the former champion’s challenge. The now Craughwell AC athlete is back on the roads recently in flying form, and he knows this course well. Donore Harriers could be the surprise package with no fewer than seven of their fast guys entered.
The women’s is going to be as competitive as ever. Olympian and course record holder Rosemary Ryan will be here. Siobhain O’Doherty of Borrisokane, a prolific road racer and the Raheny pair of Aoife Talty and Eilish Kelly will be battling it out at the front end for sure. The Western challenge will be led by Catherine Conway of Mayo AC and Regina Casey of GCH.
Everyone will have a target in mind. Last year, the average time of all finishers was 45 mins 07 secs, but the busiest time at the finish was between 37 and 38 minutes which was the minute with the largest number finishing. It’s a fast flat course in good conditions. The long range forecast wasn’t great when we last looked, but as that’s rarely right, there isn’t anything to worry about. A friendly prevailing mild south westerly wind is always welcome for the final kilometres along the prom.
The race starts at 7pm sharp and waits for no-one, so get lined-up early as it will be busy. Remember to heed the race marshalls and Gardai at all times and to facillitate this and the safety of all particpants and road-users, headphones are not permitted while running in the race. We look forward to seeing you all in the Claddagh!