OVER 2,500 competitors took to the streets for the 27th Corrib Oil Streets of Galway 8k Road Race last Saturday. This event is the jewel in the crown of Galway City sporting events staged on a course that runs through the heart of the city and along the promenade, finishing at the scenic Claddagh.

Since its inception in 1986 with little over 300 runners, the ‘Streets’ event has grown from strength to strength and now attracts people from far and wide and everyone from the elite athlete to recreational joggers, walkers and those raising funds for worthy charities.

The ethos from the start has always been “sport for all”. For many, this is a very special event with a real sense of occasion as the streets are thronged with runners and walkers alike and the atmosphere is electric. This year’s race saw a competitive field with young David Rooney (Raheny Shamrocks AC ) reclaiming his title in a time of 24:01, having won in 2010 as a 22-year old in a time of 23:57. In the women’s race Maria McCambridge (Letterkenny AC) won in a time of 26:36.

Local runners did very well also, with Galway City Harriers winning both the men and women’s team events. Lots of local clubs were represented also, including Craughwell, Athenry, Galway AC. Maree AC and Galway Triathlon Club, to say nothing of the clubs from all over the country that took part.

Many participants took part in the Streets with the aim of raising much-needed funds for worthy charities. One charity CRY (Cardiac Risk in the Young) had over 250 competitors take to the streets. Galway couple Regina and Tom Power were the driving force behind this group entry, having lost two children tragically.

Their son Colm, living in Australia, organised a parallel 8k race to take place in the Southern Hemisphere at the same time.

Croi charity also had a large group of runners participate this year and have been regular contributors to the Streets of Galway for several years.

Another notable group were the On the Road Again(OTRA) group of ten athletes, organised by GCH’s Paul Fallon. OTRA is a non-profit organization that promotes the self-sufficiency of homeless populations and people suffering mental health issues by engaging them in walking and running as a means to build confidence, strength and self-esteem.

To date, marvellous effects have been seen with this group medically, physically and emotionally and they are becoming well-known and popular on the ‘road-race circuit’.

Patrick Larkin, Ger Meehan and Patrick Murphy are the only three competitors to have run every streets race and they were there in style again last Saturday.

Other groups of interest include a large family entry from the Kenny family of ‘Kenny’s Bookshops, Art Gallery and Book Bindery’, a well-established family business in Galway for over 70 years. Three generations and approximately 20 family members took to the streets this year including Des Kenny and his daughter Aisling, both of whom completed the Dublin City Marathon for the past two years.