This year’s Elverys Sports Galway Bay Half Marathon is expected to attract more than 1,000 runners. The event will take place on Saturday October 2 in Salthill.
At a recent press launch John Treacy, chief executive of the Irish Sports Council, gave the event his support. “I am delighted to be associated with the Elverys Sports Galway Bay Half Marathon,” he said. “Well organised events like this help to promote sports to all ages. The event slogan ‘Be inspired and join in’ is what sport is all about.”
Race director Andrew Talbot said Treacy’s’ support was “a huge compliment” to the event. “As a runner myself I am in awe of John’s achievements, both as an athlete and in terms of what he is doing currently to promote sport in Ireland,” Mr Talbot added.
John Treacy became known nationally and internationally when he won the World Cross-Country Championships in Edinburgh in 1978. He retained the title the following year at Limerick Racecourse. Highlights of his distinguished athletics career include victories in the Los Angeles Marathon (1992 ) and the Dublin Marathon (1994 ). He also won the silver medal in the 1984 Olympic Games marathon in Los Angeles.
The Elverys Sports Galway Bay Half Marathon is ideal for serious runners looking for a fast time, as well as first timers who simply want to complete a half marathon. “The course is flat and good for half marathoners who want to achieve a personal best, but it is equally good for walkers and novice runners as the scenery and support from the locals along the route are huge motivators,” said Mr Talbot.
The event also includes a 10k walk and participants are encouraged to raise sponsorship for Cancer Care West.
The route encompasses 13.1 miles along the scenic Galway Bay coastline and the surrounding streets and is sponsored by Elverys Sports. “The event is being promoted in our stores throughout Ireland and participants can register in-store or online at www.galwaybayhalfmarathon.com,” said Anne-Marie Hanley, marketing manager of Elverys Sports. “Galway is such a great location, this event appeals to runners from all over the country and we very much see it as a national event. There will be activities for children on the day and the local restaurants and pubs along the bay and in Galway’s Latin Quarter are putting on entertainment to ensure that anyone who wants to make a weekend of it in Galway has a great time.”
Early bird entry fees are available until August 31. Go on, ‘ be inspired and join in’.
