The first NUI Galway 8K took place in near perfect running conditions on Saturday 12th Oct.

After a couple of weeks of frantic preparation, all the pieces came together on the day with local charity Jigsaw benefiting from the proceeds.

A great turnout with almost 400 finishers, some of the usual suspects showed up to compete up front and throughout the pack for bragging rights and podium places.

This event was part of Nui Galways Alumni weekend and a big show of NUI Galway Alumni and Students and Staff made up over half the field.

The route took runners and walkers through campus up to Dangan and with a lovely run back along the river Corrib before a couple of twists and turns to finish outside the fantastic Quadrangle.

Up front Andrew Annett did his best to shake off Matt Bidwell, however Matt dug deep to overtake Andrew in the last 2k to have a few seconds to spare for his win. John Greaney of Galway Tri Club and Galway City Harriers on the way back from injury finishing a strong 3rd. For the ladies, Emma Donlon who graduated from NUIG 10 years ago returned returned to take 1st place from local GP and graduate Grainne Ni Uallchain in second and with her first race a fantastic 3rd place 3rd place to NUI Galway Student Ciara O Sullivan.

After their efforts on the traffic free roads through the campus, and the paths around Dangan and the river Corrib, refreshments were provided in the College Bar where chat and analysis were in full flow with a full house.

A special thanks to all the NUI Galway students, staff, alumni and to all the volunteers and people that made the event such a success. Jigsaw Galway a free confidential charity for young people with mental health issues was the fitting partner with everything coming together for a great day.

The word is already out that this should become an annual event. Well done to all. Results on http://www.redtagtiming.com/results/NUIG8km2013.pdf also attached.

Also see YouTube video here.

Barry Phelan - race director.