The sun shone on Gorgeous Gort!

200 RUNNERS took part in the inaugural Gorgeous Gort 4-mile road race. The sun shone brightly as South Galway AC hosted their first race in Gort town. The course consisted of a 4-mile loop around Gort town and the surrounding countryside. After a spirited sprint to the finish, Kilnaboy A.C. athlete Michael Shannon was first to cross the line in a time of 20:06, just ahead of Kenny Rogers of St. John's A.C. Dermot Galvin, also from St. John's came in at 20:49 ensuring 1st, 2nd and 3rd prize crossed the border to Co. Clare. Nicola Ó Ceallaigh from Galway City Harriers was the 1st Senior woman in at 24:57, 2nd in was Margaret Murphy (25:25) and 3rd was Noreen McGettigan who travelled from Letterkenny. The prize to the first Junior man went to Jake O'Regan from St. John's. The men's over 40 prize went to Michael Keating who won in a time of 23:22; Abel Flores won the over 50 prize in a time of 24:51 and Tom Madden from Marian A.C. was 1st in the over 60 category in 25:20 minutes. The over 70 prize went to Sean Dooner, South West Vets for his superb performance. Anne Murray was first in the Female over 40 category in a time of 29:29. Cushla Murphy-Hehir from Marian A.C. came 1st in the over 50 category and Mary Doyle (Galway City Harriers) was 1st in the over 60 category. South Galway Athletics Club was set up in 2011 and this is their first run in Gort town. All funds raised will be used to develop both the adult and juvenile sections of the Club. 'We are delighted with the turnout, the weather was perfect and it was wonderful to see so many athletes participating' said Margaret Walsh, Race Director and Chairperson of the Club, adding, 'Congratulations to the prize winners, it was exhilarating to watch them sprint across the finish line and a special congratulations to all of our Fit4Life runners who completed their first 4 mile race' 'Thanks to everyone who came out to support South Galway A.C., runners, walkers and volunteers. Well done to all, it was a very proud day for the Club' added Maria Linnane, Club secretary. To learn more about the Club visit SouthGalway AthleticsClub on Facebook.