This year the GCH mens Track and Field team finds itself competing against the top clubs in the country in the Premier Division of the National League. This is a great opportunity to showcase the talent in our club and showcase we will!

In recent years the National league has been an opportunity for our Junior athlete to tog out side by side with the seniors to help our club team to victory. Without the help of our fantastic juniors, we'd never have been promoted last year.

Evan McGuire had the honour of becoming the first person to set a London 2012 Olympic Stadium 100m Record last Friday when he won the Powerade 'On Your Marks' event. Evan is pictured with Derval O'Rourke after the 100m final, where he stormed to victory with a PB of 11.38s. Evan pulled on the G.C.H. singlet especially for our photo, taken by dad Frank, as the athetes had to compete in Powerade kit in the final.

Great Limerick Run (May 2012) – Half Marathon Race Report, by Jane Walsh.

The 2012 Great Limerick Run saw over 8,000 competitors take to the streets in three separate events, a 6-miler, a half-marathon and a full marathon. The day of the race produced absolutely perfect running conditions, with lots of sunshine and a light chilly wind. Several GCH members travelled to take part in all 3 events, for some, this was their first time completing this distance.

85 Harriers made it over the finish line in Claregalway last night led in by Matt Bidwell, a great club turnout with improved times from last week for many of the athletes. Results are at the address below

www.redtagtiming.com/results/Galway5km2012_2_Claregalway.pdf.

Onwards to Loughrea next week

On a windy and wet evening in Newcastle 77 GCH members made it across the finish line, results are at the link below

http://www.redtagtiming.com/results/Galway5km2012_1_Athenry.pdf

Onwards to Claregalway next week

After a successful race last year St Endas will again host a 4x1 mile mixed terrain relay. Prizes will be awared to the first placed team of 'athletes' from the same workplace, as well as: an overall winning team; 1st womens, and 1st mixed team. Excellent prizes have been donated by Ocean Fitness, The Gourmet tart Co. and mile 20 running store. If you are doing the 5km series the Thursday evening race will give you a chance to sharpen up before your next 5km.

Club gear will be available to buy before and after Fit4Life training on Thursday evening May 3rd from 6.30 to 7.00 and again from 7.45 to 8.15. Venue Westside Library, Seamus Quirke Road, park in Dunnes Stores Carpark and walk through Church grounds to Library. This is an ideal opportunity to get your club colours for the upcoming summer racing season.
Singlets €25
Hoodies €30

At last Sunday's London marathon three GCH athletes were in action. Matt Bidwell and Owen Byrne have been logging serious training sessions for the past couple of months in preparation and both had excellent runs. Matt, running in his home club colours, the red and yellow stripes of the City of Norwich AC, clocked 2:30:55. Owen Byrne followed in another great time of 2:39:20. GCH's only woman representative Breege McGath also had a fine run in round numbers with 3:46:46.

Just a reminder about the next club get together this fri night in The Cottage Bar, 76 Lower Salthill for a beer or water or whatever you’re into. All are welcome! We have a room booked but in addition the Cottage are doing a last Fri of the month music and BBQ out back. 7.30pm onwards.

GCH's Paul Fallon is involved with the OTRA (On The Road Again) organisation and is making the following appeal to Galway athletes so that running and exercise continues to remain accessible to as many people in our community as possible: