Almost 2,000 runners completed the 17th edition of the Connemara half, full and ultra-marathon series of races held on Sunday in the scenic surrounds of Maam Cross, Lough Inagh and Leenane.
First over the line in the half marathon over 13.1 miles was Arnaud Bessede of Montauban Athletisme in France, in 1 hour 20 minutes. Tara Whyte of Galway City Harriers was the first woman home in a great time of 1 hour 30 minutes, taking her maiden victory on the roads with a superb performance.
Brian Gurrin of Kilcoole AC won the marathon in 2 hours 51 minutes, pipping previous winner Lyall Guiney of Athenry AC. The first female across the finish line was Hannah Howard of Eastleigh RC in a time of 3 hours 7 minutes.
The gruelling 39.3-mile ultra marathon was won by UK visitor Peter Abraham in a fast 4 hours 31 minutes, with Lucy O'Malley taking the accolade for women in 5 hours 17 minutes
National Road Relays
The National Road Relays were held Sunday last in Raheny in Dublin. GCH and Castlegar AC both fielded squads. GCH fielded two senior men's teams, with their first team home placing a fine 10th overall in a hugely competitive entry, featuring multiple internationals. The squad of Eanna Folan, Thomas McStay, Michael O'Connor and Aaron Brennan all performed well, battling hard to make the top 10. The second GCH senior squad of Neill Keane, John Moroney, Talon Thompson and Michael Kerrin placed 20th overall. Castlegar masters men’s A team came home in 14th place, led by Sean McDermott, Lonan O’Farrell and Stephen Casserly, with their second team placing 21st overall. GCH masters mens squad were 19th overall.
Galway 5km Series
The 2018 Galway 5km Series begun on Tuesday in Caltra at 7.30 pm. The six race series will continue every Tuesday, with Craughwell next up on May 1, followed by Loughrea May 8, Claregalway May 15, Athenry May 22, and the series finale in Kilcornan, Clarenbridge on May 29 . The series is a sell out with up to 1,000 competitors taking part in what has become a hugely successful athletics event.
Galway Track and Field Juvenile Championships
Day One of the 2018 Galway Track and Field Juvenile Championships takes place Sunday in Dangan, with the U13 to U 19 age groups competing in a packed programme of events. Day two will be held the following Sunday, May 6, also in Dangan, with the U9 to U12 events taking centre stage
