The 20th anniversary of the famous Fields of Athenry 10k race takes place St Stephen’s Day in the town at 11am.
Hosted by Athenry AC, this year’s event will attract an entry of some 1500 athletes and is always a very competitive affair, as well as a great day out for the running community over the Christmas period. There is also a children's race on the programme at 10.15am. Entry is available on www.athenry10k.com
Goal Mile on Christmas Day
Galway city will host two Goal Miles on Christmas Day with the traditional Dangan event at the NUI Galway track being held at 10am to 12 noon, hosted by GCH. The second event will start at 11am at Merlin College in Doughiska, hosted by Castlegar AC and Sean McDermott. The fundraiser for the renowned charity can be registered for online at this link https://eventmaster.ie/event/MvvrcbdiBz or a donation is welcome on the day at either venue
Donal Devane
Donal Devane of NUI Galway AC and Ennis Track helped the Irish U23 squad to a superb gold team medal winning performance at the European Cross Country Championships which returned to Ireland this year after a 12-year gap.
In the 8km event at Abbottstown, Devane placed fourth of the six-man team with a 40th place finish overall.
However there was disappointment for Thomas Mcstay of GCH who was forced to withdraw from the squad early in the week due to illness.
Athletics Irelands management team on the day were led by Galway duo Paul McNamara of Athenry AC, and national endurance coordinator Matt Lockett of GCH.