The goal of the Galway Cross Country Series is 'to offer a good value, family friendly race series', and it is certainly delivering on that front.
The series hosts six race days spread out over December, January, February, and March, with two races each day, catering for athletes of all ages from juveniles to adults.
The shorter race ranges from approximately 1-2 miles in distance and is suitable for runners from 7 years of age and upwards, while the longer race ranges from approximately 2-3 miles and caters towards people who are 16 or older.
All proceeds and race profits are donated to various GOAL charities, which is a wonderful touch.
Now in its second year, the series has seen a great number of participants turn out each week, including many people returning having taken part in the inaugural series.
Run Republic spoke to Sean McDermott of Tribal Running to chat about the series as a whole before looking ahead at what's to come this weekend in Week 3.
'This series has proven to be hugely family friendly with parents often running the short course with the kids as their warm up before the long course race.
'While neither the short or long course are of a huge distance,they usually have a degree of difficulty that makes them enjoyable.
'With the variation of terrain week on week this event is anything but boring. Some venues are 100% Cross country as in all on grass, some are trail races, and some are a mixture of both.
'Week 3 in Doughiska on Saturday 13th sees us introduce a new event. The FUN COUNTRY RACE for ages 6 to 10yrs with just 600m of distance with lots of fun obstacles, so hopefully it's a fun introduction to running as opposed to a Cross introduction!
'Cross Country by nature is often a first experience of Athletics for kids, so we hope to encourage them, and also adults, to try it and from there hopefully filter into club athletics and experience the full menu of events available such as track and field.'
With a race for runners of all ages and abilities, get down to Doughiska this weekend for the third week of the Galway Cross Country Series! You can sign up by clicking here!