The biggest and best ever Abbey (Loughrea) 8KM race took place in Abbey village last Sunday, 12 March 2017.
 
There were almost three hundred participants, a record for the event. Conditions were ideal for the Annual 8K run.
 
The newly-designed course was flat which yielded some very fast finishing times. There was a large crowd of enthusiastic supporters present to support all athletes.
 
The first senior home was Martin Glynn from Clare AC in Ennis in 27:25. He was followed by Stephen McKeigue. Daire Comer was third home.
 
Athenry AC was well represented at this event. Mary Keady (Athenry AC) was first lady home in 34.18. She was followed by Maeve Flannery. Mairéad Blake also Athenry AC was third home.
 
David Carter (Galway City Harriers) was the first junior home while Anna Behan (Abbey) was the first junior lady home. 
 
The full list of results are here with the main prize winners as follows;
 
Senior Men. 1st Martin Glynn Clare AC (27.25), 2nd Steven McKeigue (27.41) Daire Comar (28.39).
Senior Ladies. 1st Mary Kealy Athenry AC (34.18), 2nd Maeve Flannery (34.50), 3rd Mairead Blake Athenry AC (36.08).
Male Over 40. 1st Padraig Kelly (North Sligo AC).
Female Over 40. 1st Katie Gorman (Craughwell AC).
Male Over 50. Ryszard Koboylo (Poland).
Female Over 50. Dolores Higgins (Tuam AC).
Male Over 60. Martin Kearney (Galway City Harriers).
Male Junior. David Carter (Galway City Harriers).
Female Junior. Anna Behan (Abbey).
Male Local. 1st Pat McDonagh (Coolfin and Athenry AC).
Female Local. 1st Mary Connolly (Ballygowan and Maree AC).
 
John O'Connor (Edenhill77) was there to capture the action and three sets of photos can be found here.