This past Saturday the 18th May saw the 3rd running of the Roundstone Bay 8K road race for the local RNLI Lifeboat Service. There was a good mix of local and visiting runners, with entrants from as far afield as UK, Germany and USA, and numbers were again up on previous years with just under 200 having registered.

The day itself dawned with a sprinkling of rain, but come race time conditions were excellent. Slightly overcast, mild temperatures and only a slight breeze. After 29.38 the first person appeared on the horizon to cross the line and take the applause - Michael Rocke from Castlebar. He was followed closely by Niall Murphy of Galway City Harriers with Peter Tuohy in 3rd place. In the women's event, first past the post was Ester O'Flaherty in a time of 34.50. 2nd place went to Loretto Duggan, while Yvonne Fehily came home in 3rd.

It was refreshing to see an increase again in the numbers of participants from the wider local community with entrants from Roundstone, Cashel, Carna, Ballyconneely, Clifden, Letterfrack and Renvyle all participating. Quite a number of these also secured PBs and a few bragging rights changed hands from last years race!

After the last runner crossed the line, everyone decamped to the local community hall where copious amount of tae and nibbles were on hand for the worthy recipients. The prizes, consisting of unique one-off handcrafted pottery were then presented to the various winners, and tales & stories were swapped as the social side of the day kicked into action. Later that evening, live music was laid on in the village, and the fun went on until the early hours.

Thanks again to all the sponsors (Roundstone House Hotel, King's Bar, The Shamrock Bar and Roundstone Community Lotto) for their support, as well as all our race marshalls, catering assistants and web/I.T. providers. A great day out for a worthy cause... here's to 2014!

Full list of results can be found on our Facebook page: www.facebook.com/RoundstoneBay8K

List of Prize Winners

Men Overall:      1st  Michael Rocke   29.38



                          2nd Niall Murphy       29.53



                          3rd  Peter Tuohy       30.37

Men over 40:      Sean Nee                 31.29

Men Over 50:     Michael Welby          33.41

Men Over 60:     Martin McEvilly         31.25

Women Overall: 1st  Ester O'Flaherty 34.50



                           2nd Loretto Duggan  36.17



                           3rd Yvonne Fehily     36.24

Women Over 40: Jacqueline Carroll    38.48

Women Over 50: Sue Brittain              40.08

Women Over 60: Maragret Kennedy   44.33