Galway athletes are facing into a busy weekend of both local and national events, kicking off National Indoor League in Athlone.
Galway City Harriers is once again looking to secure a podium finish at the indoor league, following their second place finish last winter.
Round one takes place on Saturday and GCH team manager Brendan Glynn has assembled a strong squad which includes Robert Meagher, Cillin Greene, Brendan Staunton, Henrique Nvokolata and Cliff Jennings. The team has high expectations of putting up a big score in this first round of the competition
Galway Indoor Track and Field
The Galway Indoor Track and Field Championships take place on Sunday (January 15 ) at the Athlone International Arena, from 9am till 6pm.
The county championship provides a full indoor programme for juvenile and senior athletes – including 60m sprints, sprint hurdles, 200m, 400/600 and 800m, 1000m Walk, 3000m, shot, high jump, long jump and relays.
More than 600 athletes are expected to compete across 120+ events from all clubs in the county, including many top juveniles such as Emma Moore GCH, and Chloe Casey of Craughwell The senior 3000m is likely to be a highlight of the programme with many of Galway’s top senior and masters track runners looking to open their seasonal account with a good performance, including Joe Tannian, Jim Phelan, Brian O'Connor and Eamonn Hornibrook of GCH, and Sean McDermott of Castlegar AC in the men’s race, while in the ladies' section, GCH duo Kathryn Casserly and Niamh Hennelly will be looking to lay down a marker for the coming season.
Tuam 8k
The Tuam Athletic Club Annual 8K Road Race will take place on Sunday at 2.30pm on a fast course around the north Galway town.
Almost 400 runners completed last year's race which is now a renowned race on the athletics calendar.
This year Matt Bidwell GCH, Feargal Walsh of Athenry, Rob Lennon of Castlegar, John Byrne of Mayo AC, and local athletes Brian Furey and Sean Burke are all likely to contest for honours.
There will be a wide range of category prizes for men and women in all age groups. The course has been accurately measured and is AAI permitted. After the race, runners can look forward to hot showers and post race refreshments in the Mercy Gym.
Online entries are now open at the Athletics Ireland Runzone website and some registrations will be available on the day.
Goal Mile Athenry
Athenry AC will host a mile in aid of the charity Goal on Saturday at 11am.
Registration will be available in Clarin College Gym in Athenry. Entry fee is €5 for individual or €10 for a family. Races starts at 11:00am (in waves ). Fastest runners will start first and these athletes will be timed. Joggers, walkers and families will follow.
