Galway Independent
Wednesday 15 August 2012
2,500 take to the streets
Over 2,500 competitors took to the streets of the city on Saturday for the 27th Corrib Oil Streets of Galway 8k Road Race.
Since its inception in 1986 with a little over 300 runners, the ‘Streets’ event has gone from strength to strength and now attracts people from far and wide, and everyone, from the elite athletes to recreational joggers, walkers and those raising funds for worthy charities.
This year’s race saw a very competitive field, with David Rooney from Raheny Shamrocks AC reclaiming his title in a time of 24:01, having won in 2010 in a time of 23:57.
In the women’s race, Maria McCambridge from 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, including Craughwell, Athenry, Galway AC, Maree AC and Galway Triathlon Club, along with clubs from all over the country.
Many participants took part in the Streets with the aim of raising much-needed funds for charities. Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY) 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, who lives in Australia, organized a parallel 8k race in the Southern Hemisphere at the same time.
West of Ireland Cardiac Foundation Croi also had a large group of runners participate this year and another notable group were ten athletes from On the Road Again (OTRA), organized by Galway City Harriers’ 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.
Other groups included a large family entry from the Kenny family from Kenny’s Bookshops, Art Gallery and Book Bindery.
Three generations and approximately 20 family members took to the streets this year. Patrick Larkin, Ger Meehan and Patrick Murphy are the only three competitors to have run every Streets race.