Has it been a year? It doesn't feel like it.

Next Tuesday will see the return of the Galway 5km Series with the staging of the first race in Newcastle near Athenry, which will be organised by Athenry AC.

This series is sold out - there will be no new entries taken on the night. Anyone who has pre-entered can pick up their race number at the community hall in Newcastle from 6:30pm - 7:30pm.

Here are a few notes that will hopefully help you to get the best from this series of races.

• Most importantly of all - YOUR RACE NUMBER IS TO BE RE-USED FOR EACH RACE. Just bring it along for each race, pin it on and off you go. Simple as that. PLEASE, PLEASE don’t give your number to anyone else.

• Please try to share transport to and from each of the races. Parking space is very limited at each of the race venues and so it will help greatly if people share a car when at all possible. This is particularly true for the first race in Newcastle. There is ample car parking in Athenry town and people can car-pool from there if necessary

• Remember this is a 'no-frills' series where the aim is to provide some low-key, low-cost opportunities to run or walk in the beautiful Galway countryside. The six Galway clubs that host this series put a considerable amount of work into making this popular series happen each year. Remember, the people who are recording results, stewarding and helping out in other ways are giving up their evenings so that you can enjoy the races.

• Each organising club will take your personal safety very seriously during each of these races, however, many of the races are held on open public roads and you should take great care when running or walking to avoid any accidents and to keep yourself safe.

• There will be a helpdesk at each race where any problems with your entry can be sorted out. If you don’t lose or forget your race number you won’t have to visit this helpdesk ?

• Race results and pictures, when we have them, will be published on the various club web-sites within a few days after each race.

• If you complete a minimum of five out of the six races you will qualify for a special souvenir series training top.

• Try to arrive early to allow time for a warm-up and to allow the race to start on time. We hope you enjoy yourself.

Race Location

Aoife Seoighe

15 years 7 months ago

I ran the 5K yesterday in newcastle. I was fully prepared to walk as i didnt think i had it in me to run, never mind the thoughts of 5K (a significant challenge to a beginner) and with no road running under my belt. I had decided to enter as a runner just in case! but was realistically planning a more run - walk strategy to finish. But as my first ever race and as a complete novice to running it was a great evening. The course was lovely with no uphills to struggle through and a lovely suprise when the last kilomoeter was all downhill. The great thing about these is that it gives you so much motivation to keep running when you can pace yourself with others around you. I was lucky to run the last 2K beside a woman who kept the perfect pace and could share a few bits of advice and encouragement along the way. Weather was super aswell so as a beginner in the first race i felt it was a great course to start with, hopefully the rest be just as enjoyable.

Maire

15 years 7 months ago

I took part in the 5K in Athenry last night and when I got back to the car my wallet was under the car wiper. Obviously it had fallen out onto the road when I got out. A HUGE thanks to the honest person who did this! I always knew the running community in Galway was a great bunch of people. Thanks a mil!And well done to Athenry A.C. for a great event yet again!