The 21st of June, the summer solstice has been a significant date in the calendar for thousands of years. It’s a time to rejoice and celebrate, when the tilt of the earth’s axis causes the sun's position in the sky to reach its southernmost extreme. And now it’s also the time to lace up the runners and head out to Annaghdown on the banks of the Corrib for the AAI sanctioned Annaghdown Summer Solstice 10K.

Now in its 3rd year, this race has proven to be an attractive addition to the West of Ireland race calendar, and in its inaugural year, it saw former World Record holder Steve Jones toe the starting line and also lend his assistance with dishing out the prizes. Edinburgh marathon winner and the man in charge of west of Ireland athletics for the AAI, Paul McNamara holds the course record, and it is rumored that Paul will be making his way to Annaghdown again this year to try and possibly lower it. He could have some competition though judging by some of the performances in the recent 5K series around the county.

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With favorable weather forecast for the day, a large turnout is expected for the 10K and for the very popular kid’s fun run which goes from the Annaghdown National School down to the Pier, a distance of about ¾ K. The kid’s fun run kicks off proceedings at 3pm followed by the main event at 4pm. There will of course be refreshments a-plenty available after the race at the Annaghdown National School.

There will be prizes awarded for the first 3 Senior Men & Women, first man over 40, 50 & 60, first women over 35,45 & 55 and also first Junior male & female while all finishers of the kid’s fun run will receive a medal.

This year you can enter online at www.irishrunningtours.com, you will see the race listed under events. You can also print off the entry form and mail it in to us. Pre-registration is €15 and you can also enter on the day for €20. T-shirts go to the first 250 entries.

As usual, the race starts at the Annaghdown National School and will finish at the Annaghdown Pier. The course is the same as before too, for any new comers that means that it is still the one loop; anticlockwise though over numerous bends and scenic townlands, and is relatively flat. There are a few slight inclines but nothing too major. There is also the added attraction of running along the banks of Lough Corrib.

One of the ‘traditions’ that has started to gain legs has been participants taking a well deserved post race plunge in the corrib. As the race finishes at Annaghdown Pier it is very enticing to jump right in. Of course, when going into any body of water, people should be aware of the dangers associated and take adequate precautions.

To get to Annaghdown from Galway, take the Headford road out as far as Regan’s of Cloonboo, take a left and go about 3 miles. Once you see the church you can start to look for parking. The organizers this year are trying to keep the start area free of cars so your help in this will be much appreciated. There will be more than adequate parking available in the area, but if you can do so, please car pool to the event.

If you are coming from the Headford side of the county, take a right turn at the Annaghdown sign, and follow the road for 2 miles or so.

If approaching from Tuam or Oranmore then leave N17 at Loughgeorge and follow signs for Annaghdown where you will cross the Headford Road and directions are as above