Entries are flowing in for the 8th running of the Fields of Athenry 10km. We're over 2/3 full with almost 700 entries, so lets have a look at whose coming. The first surprise, in some ways, is that about half of the entrants aren't members of any athletic club. This always surprises me, as I sometimes wonder if the world outside of organised athletics knows anything of this race.

But glancing through the entries show that this has become a family tradition for many people around Athenry, with whole families registering to take part.

Many unaffiliated runners come from far and wide - let me take this chance to remind you that your local running club would be delighted to have new members, and there is a training group for everybody.

Club Members.

Craughwell AC is coming en-masse to Athenry! 66 members will don the white and green on the day of the race. The host club Athenry AC has 30 entrants registered, as we encourage new members to take part. Loughrea AC and Galway City Harriers provide similar numbers. As well as that we have representatives from Tuam, CRH, Mayo, Sligo and Ennis track clubs. From further afield come Clonliffe Harriers, Rathfarnham WSAF, Grange Fermoy amoung others.

From across the pond come members from Stourbrige, Reading, and London Heathside. There are also good contingents from triathlon clubs, with Predator Tri Club, Galway Trathlon club, 3D Tri and Athlone tri club taking part.

We'll see what other clubs get added to that list when entries close. There is a 60/40 split in favour of Males, so the vote for the pink hat may struggle!