The weather gods did not know what to do this summer solstice for the 6th running of the Annaghdown 10k road-race which was a good marker for mid-summer’s night once again. Previous editions of the event have been visited by either torrential downpours or glorious sunshine. This year however, after a day of continuous rain in Galway, the evening remarkably chose to remain dry and humid with only a light breeze to worry competitors.

As to the race itself, well done to GCH’s Matt Bidwell on repeating his victory of last year – he was pushed all the way this year however by previous winners John Byrne (Mayo AC - 2009) and Mark Davis (Craughwell AC - 2008) among others. The historically fast Annaghdown course lived up to it’s name again this year and Matt improved on his 2011 winning time by 3 seconds (to 32m38s), taking him to  within 7 seconds of Athenry AC's Paul McNamara’s course record of 32m31s set in the inaugral race of 2007. Tara Whyte (Clonliffe Harriers – but formerly of this parish) was first female home in an impressive 39m35s.

While things were tight at the sharp end of the race, rumour has it that there were a couple of modest PBs down through the field as well!
 
Well done to all the GCH athletes who raced on the night and many thanks also to those who turned out to support. Jane Walsh was once again out on the course with her trusty camera, where she captured the agony and ecstasy particularly over the the last 500m – her Facebook public gallery is linked right here or using the full link as follows:

http://www.facebook.com/media/set?set=a.3797659633636.148776.1641606965&...
 
Again, Paul Fallon and crew took good care of us all, before, during and after in organising another fantastic event.
 
Provisional results are attached below (PDF).