And the winner is Sergiu Ciobanu

Published: Wed 10 Aug 2016, 10:20 AM

Last updated: Wed 10 Aug 2016, 11:19 AM

Thirty one years and still bringing the city to life! Saturday the 6th of August saw another highly successful running of the Radisson Blu Streets of Galway 8k Race. This year 3000 runners, joggers and walkers gathered to take part in the city’s largest annual road-race – and event that has become the jewel in the crown of Galway City racing events.

There was great excitement and enthusiasm throughout the city streets from runners and onlookers alike. Famous for its iconic route taking in all the Galway landmarks such as the Galway City University, Spanish Arch, The Long Walk and finishing in a 2km straight run along Salthill promenade - this stunning summer evening run has captured the hearts of Galway locals and those who come from further afield year after year to participate in this community event.

This year’s race was proudly sponsored by the Radisson Blu Hotel & Spa who were delighted to be a part of this year’s Radisson Blu Streets of Galway 8k. General manager Andrew Drysdale spoke of behalf of the hotel saying ‘The hotel was thrilled to support and be part of what is always a real community event in the city and was delighted to see many entrants and members of the Radisson Blu Galway team making their way over the finish line.’

There was a buzz in the air as runners approached the starting line for the Radisson Blu Streets of Galway 2016 and the battle for the top spot was on. Many clubs from all over Ireland were represented, with many regular visitors returning again this year such as Patrick Larkin (Moycullen), Gerard Murphy (Clare River Harriers) and Gerard Meehan (Dooneen AC) who have run each of the 31 races to date.

It was Sergiu Ciobanu from Clonliffe harriers (24:25) who claimed the coveted top spot this year, winning the Radisson Blu Streets of Galway 2016 followed by Jake O’Regan (24:36), from St Johns in second place and Seamus Lynch (25:27) from Newcastle in Down shortly after to come in third. As always there was a phenomenal support from local Galway clubs including athletes from Craughwell AC, Athenry AC, CRH AC, Galway Triathlon Club, Tuam, South Galway AC and Loughrea. Not forgetting the 100 plus participants from host club Galway City Harriers.

The talent was not short in the Women’s Category with some magnificent times and performances. Coming in first, Siobhan O’Doherty (27:19) from Borrisokane AC, adding too her numerous podium finishes over the years at the Streets. An excellent race from Caroline Crowley (27:24) from Crusaders who came in second. Laura Shaughnessy (27:38) from DSD finished third.

From runners to spectators, sponsors to the crew involved in the planning, this year’s Radisson Blu Streets of Galway race was a terrific success. We are already looking forward to 2017!