The 2011 Galway 5km Series got underway last night in Newcastle near Athenry as the weather gods smiled from on-high yet again. There was an enormous turnout - just under 600 runners from what we can work out - and everything seemed to go smoothly. Credit for local arrangements has to go to Frank Burke and his huge team of volunteers from Athenry AC who took responsibility for all of the small practical arrangements that allowed everyone else to enjoy their running without having to worry about a thing.

The great good humour and friendliness for which the series has become reknowned was once again in evidence as the runners looped around from Newcastle Community Centre and back to the hurling pitch behind the church. The race benefitted from chip timing, with splits recorded at both start and finish to allow for a more relaxed atmosphere at the start as everyone knew they'd get a fair shake. Speedsters, runners, joggers, walkers and chancers all had their moment in the spring evening sun and everyone was back home safe and sound before dark.

Last man standing was our hero Frank Burke, out collecting road signs and picking up black refuse bags in the halflight, but with the satisfaction of another safe race being over and many happy punters to ease his mind.

Roll on Tuam and the rest.

Provisional results at : http://www.redtagtiming.com/