To be honest, when are you going to get a chance again to run through the heart of the city, to see it from the middle of the road, to not have to be worrying about traffic, for just one evening? To run free, as a adult through the heart of the city.
There is something liberating about running as fast as you can through the streets of Galway as an adult (as long as you don’t have a security guard in hot pursuit ).
But it is only once a year that you get the chance — and that chance comes up again on Saturday August 10, when the 34th Streets of Galway race will snake through the city. When I say race, I mean run. It is a serious race for the serious runners...but for the other 2,500 runners, it is rare and exhilirating opportunity to pit yourself against yourself while taking in a newfound appreciation for the various gradients of the city streets.
This August 10, the 34th incarnation of the Streets of Galway takes place. The Galway Clinic-sponsored race is the biggest participative sporting event in the city every year, and it just gets better and better.
Run it for the first time or run it for the 34th time like Patrick Larkin, Ger Meehan, and Gerard Murphy who have not missed a year. Run it for a charity or cause of your choice and let your energy and power not go wasted, let every step be a step forward or a helping hand fort someone else not as fortunate.
Run it because you can, because there are many who cannot. Each year I pass the hospital during the race and I bow my head to those workers in there who made sure I was able to recover from not being able to walk or talk, and to get out on the streets running. I run for the person who now occupies my bed in ICU and send them my energy.
Savour this race like nothing ever, as it is a pleasure to be able to run through the city streets for one night only. The race is organised by the Galway City Harriers athletic club and kindly sponsored by The Galway Clinic.
Indeed The Galway Clinic have been so impressed with the event they have renewed their sponsorship of the event until 2022 — a massive endorsement by the team. This year sees a huge number of charities organising teams to run and raising money and awareness for their cause. To name but a few Galway Hospice, Cope Galway, Galway Rape Crisis Centre, Down Syndrome Galway, Act For Meningitis...and many more.
A mention must go to the Sanctuary Runners too who are encouraging Irish people to run with them using running and sport to build bridges. Many gyms are also training programmes for members such as UB Fit Sports International under Eoin O Donnellan and Don Naughton Fitness.
Indeed work places throughout the city are also entering into the spirit and vying to see who will have bragging rights for the year. As always the course stays the same so enjoy all the iconic Galway sights.
Volunteers are also needed so come and help this great event if you have a few hours free on the night of Saturday August 10, drop Elaine or Maretta an email on [email protected]
You will find the race on social media so follow it on “Galway Clinic Streets of Galway “ and remember share your running photos and stories in the lead up and on race day using the #streetsofgalway
Get online and do it now, and make a difference to yourself and to others, and help preserve the tradition of Galway’s greatest sporting event as it heads towards four decade sin existence.
See you at the start line.....and at the finish line.
