With 3 weeks of the Galway Cross Country Series complete, we caught up with organiser Sean McDermott to talk about the success of the series which reached the half-way point this past weekend.
Run Republic asked Sean what his biggest takeaways from the event have been after the conclusion of Week 3 on Saturday morning, with Sean immediately praising the volunteers who have turned out in their droves to help each week thus far, ‘We have great Tribal Running volunteers who turn out early each Saturday to get the show on the road, without these superstars the event does not happen.
‘Slowly but surely some clubs and athletes are realising the benefits of these races, especially with Schools, College and Masters National Championships on the horizon in February and March. Prior to this, we noticed there was a void in the calendar out West, so hopefully it gives them better preparation.
‘Once people are cooked to try Running off road or track, they are pleasantly surprised how enjoyable and beneficial it can be to improve their fitness and running performance on other surfaces.’
It is safe to say that the Tribal Running man is very happy with the growth of the event and the appetite for it each week. This past Saturday, Day 3 of the series took place in Doughiska Park and Sean told Run Republic about the success of the brand new “Fun Country Race”, saying ‘We had great numbers for our new Fun Country Race, which is aimed at 6- to 10-year-olds to try out cross country for the first time. Hopefully with this fun event we can encourage more from this age range to take up athletics with what could be a lifelong experience that could bring them all over the world and lead to a healthy lifestyle.
‘Our Short Course 2k race saw repeat wins for young developing athletes Darach O'Conghaile of South Galway AC and also Ruby Coyne of Castlegar AC.
‘For our long course race, we upped the distance to 5km, but that didn't deter u16 athlete Ciarán Considine of South Galway AC as he showed a clean pair of heels after 2km to Castlegar duo Adrian Grogan and Eoin Staunton also of ATU Athletics. Triona Moran of Castlegar AC was the ladies winner.
‘There was great feedback about a course that had a 1km loop with opportunity to run fast on flat ground and also a section of rolling hills and some obstacles. The athletes were happy with a great race experience.’
Day 4 sees the series take to the Merlin Trail next Saturday, January 20th. You can enter for Day 4 by clicking the link here!