Streets of Galway 8k proves another big success

YET another huge field turned out for the 32nd Galway Clinic sponsored Streets of Galway 8k Road race, hosted by Galway City Harriers, which took place on Saturday last in beautiful summer sunshine.

There was a hugely competitive field assembled this year, with many Irish internationals toeing the start line, and the race was one of the most exciting in years. A lead group of ten set the early pace, including Kevin Maunsell, Clonmel, Freddie Keron Sittuk from Raheny Shamrock, Hugh Armstrong from Ballina AC, Aaron Hanlon of Clonliffe, Alan O Shea of Bantry AC and Brian Maher of KCH.

Just after the 2k mark, Maunsell and Sittuk broke away with a huge injection of pace, and split the group. Armstrong and Hanlon gave chase in third and fourth. Maunsell continued to press hard in the second half of the race on the very fast Prom section, but could not drop Sittuk.

The outcome was still in doubt right until the pair went head to head in a sprint finish down Grattan Road and into South Park, with the Tipperary man Maunsell just holding off Sittuk for victory in 23.44, by the narrowest of margins, just one second. Armstrong pipped Hanlon for third, clocking 24.07 to his rival’s 24.14. Keith Fallon of GCH was first Galway athlete home in seventh.

Siobhan O’Doherty from Borrisokane AC claimed the Ladies title for a second year running, in a time of 27:44 with a comprehensive victory. She was followed home by Caroline Crowley of Crusaders in second in 29.06 and Nicola Duncan from GCH, first Galway athlete home in third place in 29.27. Ennis Track won the men’s team title, while Crusaders AC of Dublin claimed the ladies.

A field of nearly 3,000 runners from Galway city and county, together with many visitors from home and abroad, took part in what was once again a superbly organised event, with the fine weather ensuring the route was lined with thousands from the Galway public, tourists and family and friends of the runners shouting encouragement at every corner.

Full report in this week’s GalwayCity Tribune