Streets of Galway 8k proves sell out as local competitors bid to upset race favourites

THE 28th running of the Kearney Cyles sponsored Streets of Galway 8k road race takes place on this Saturday, August 10, at 7pm, from its base at the Claddagh Hall.

Runners will be routed to the start from their assembly point at the Claddagh. The race is a complete sell out, with close on 2,500 entered. No entries are available on the day, and runners are asked to arrive well in advance of the start time.

The race itself is one of the top road races in the country and attracts a highly competitive elite field as well as a huge number of local athletes and fun runners and many who return every year from further afield. The men’s race will be hotly contested with Olympian Mark Kenneally of Clonliffe Harriers making a return to the race he won in 2005.

Last year’s runner up Paddy Hamilton of Annadale AC is also a standout name, along with Neil Burton of Tipton Harriers who ran sub 30 mins in the British 10000 metres recently and both will challenge for top honours. A number of top Dublin athletes from Crusaders AC and Raheny Shamrocks are expected to make the trip, including the likes of Rob Cross and Ray Hynes.

Multiple race winner Gerry Ryan of Craughwell AC may yet make an appearance in an attempt at a fourth title, and local  athletes to the fore should be Jason Broderick, Owen Byrne and John Greaney who will all be targeting top ten finishes.

The women’s race will be extremely competitive – with no Maria McCambridge, who is off to the World Championships Marathon, last year’s second and third placers Siobhan O’Doherty (Borrisokane AC) and Breege Connolly (North Belfast)  will challenge for honours, along with former winner Teresa McGloin of Finn Valley.

O’Doherty is the in form athlete, recently winning the Flora Women’s Mini Marathon over 10km, in 34.20. New challengers for the title this year include Leevale’s Michelle Finn, who ran 9.54 for 3k steeplechase earlier this year, and is National champion at that event and a huge talent, as well as Crusaders Caroline Crowley. Local girls to the fore should include Regina Casey and Maebh Brannigan of GCH.