Hills, Hospitality & One Hell of a Finish Line: The Galbally 5 Is Back

Hills, Hospitality & One Hell of a Finish Line: The Galbally 5 Is Back

Published on: 27 Jun 2025

Author: Phil Knox

Categories: Road Running Events

Sunday 20th July, runners from across the country will descend on Galbally, Co. Tyrone, for one of the liveliest events on Ulster's road racing calendar, the Galbally 5 Mile and 5K.

Part road race, part community party, this event has built a serious reputation for combining competitive racing with legendary post-race hospitality. Think free race vests, live music, burgers, beers, prosecco, pizza, and ice cream, all for £15. Not a typo. And you can enter right now.

Two Races, One Big Buzz

The main event, the 5 Mile race, gets underway at 11:00am, followed closely by the 5K at 11:05am. Both courses start and finish at Galbally Community Centre (36 Lurgylea Rd, BT70 2NX), where the atmosphere will be electric from the first gun to the last burger flip.

Expect rolling hills, a few punchy climbs, and some eye-watering descents to stretch the legs and open the stride. It’s a route that rewards those who pace it smart, and one that’s rapidly gaining a reputation for delivering fast finishes and first-class vibes.

Hospitality, Extras & Finish Line Craic

Let’s talk about what happens after the race, because Galbally goes big.

  • 🍕 Woodfired pizza
  • 🍺 Beers and prosecco
  • 🍦 Ice cream for the kids (and adults)
  • 🎶 Live music on-site
  • 🚿 Hot showers in the Community Centre

And if that wasn't enough, the first 150 registered participants will receive a signature Galbally running vest, making sure everyone goes home with something more than sore calves and a new PB.

Prize Money & Records

There’s over £1500 in prize money on offer across both genders and a broad range of age categories, including U18, Open, Over 40, and Over 50, as well as team prizes and bonuses for anyone brave (or quick) enough to break the course records:

  • 🥇 Men’s Record: Peter Somba (Dunboyne AC) – 24:51
  • 🥇 Women’s Record: Kerry O’Flaherty (Newcastle & District AC) – 28:58

Whether you're chasing silverware or just out to enjoy the occasion, there’s something here for everyone.

Need-to-Know Race Info

  • 📅 Sunday 20th July 2025
  • 📍 Galbally Community Centre, Tyrone (BT70 2NX)
  • 🕚 5 Mile starts at 11:00am | 5K at 11:05am
  • 🏃 Chipped & timed routes for both distances
  • 🎽 First 150 entries receive free race vests
  • 💻 Online entry here, limited late entries may be available on the day
  • 💷 Entry fee: £15

So there you have it! The Galbally 5 is the perfect blend of proper racing and proper fun. Fast miles, tough hills, big laughs and not a soggy banana in sight.

Get entered, get your vest, and get ready for a finish line like no other.