Full Results The Sun came out on Galway Bay last Saturday as over 1,000 athletes, runners, walkers and strollers took to the roads along the coast for the first Elverys Sports Galway Bay Half Marathon. The Half Marathon was won by Lebette Debele from Limerick in a time of one hour 14 minutes.
Originally from Ethopia but now a Limerick man Lebette was delighted with his EUR1,000 prize. The first woman across the line was Paula Prendergast from Mayo who claimed her EUR1,000 first prize with a time of one hour thirty three minutes.
In addition to the main Half Marathon a large crowd of Cancer Care West Supporters ran and walked the Galway Bay 10K alongside the Half Marthon runners which added to the atmosphere with a truly diverse mix of people taking part in the overall event. The Full Marathon was won by Galway’s Aaron Turner in a time of 3:04 and in the Womens’ Race by Diana Hogan-Murphy who was this years winner of the Gobi Desert Marathon earlier this year.
The six nominated charities – the Alan Kerins African Projects, Cancer Care West, COPE Galway, Croí, Enable Ireland and The Guide Dogs for the Blind and their supporters enjoyed the after race refreshments in the Marquee on Nimo’s pier. Peter Ferris MBE who ran his 353rd Marathon on Saturday was also on hand to give after race massages to raise money for Charity. Peter has raised over EUR500,000 for Charity so far.
The Party continued late into the night with over 300 participants descending on The Spanish Arch Hotel for much needed rehydration. The organisers and volunteers joined in, celebrating a good days work. Bernard Duffy, Race Organiser praised the volunteers ‘The day went off without a hitch and much of that is down to the hundreds of volunteers who gave up their time to man the water stations and assist on the route. The Guards, Medical team, County Council and local media gave us their support from day one right up until the last person crossed the line on Saturday afternoon’.
The event was Sponsored by Elverys Sports, the national retail chain store that originated in the West of Ireland. ‘It’s fantastic to have a big national brand like Elverys Sports associated with this event and we are all committed to making this a truly great annual Galway event.’ said Bernard. The Sun has hardly settled and the planning is beginning again for next years event – the date is set – Saturday 2nd October 2010.
Pictures :
https://www.galwaybay10.com/race_photos.html