For the first time in fifty years the historic Galway town of Athenry will host a National Athletics Championship race when the AAI 10k Senior event is held there on Sunday at 2:00pm. In 1958 Willie Morris of Derrydonnell AC crossed the line first at the NACA Cross Country Championships in the grounds of Mellowes College to capture his third All Ireland senior title. Half a century later the National 10k Road Race Championships will be hosted by the local club Athenry AC. The town’s fine athletic tradition has prospered in recent years, most notably by local man Paul Hession. Local clubman James Lundon said, “We’re absolutely delighted to be hosting such a prestigious race in the town and are determined to provide the stage for a safe, successful and well organised event for the athletes that will travel from all over the Country to Athenry for the event. We’re sure the whole town will benefit from hosting the race and that we’ll have a large number of spectators following the action”. The local club have gathered quite a bit of experience in organising such events over recent years and their Annual St.Stephen’s Day promotion has grown into one of the best road races in the West. On St.Stephen’s Day last Galway City Harrier Gary Thornton led almost 700 runners around the picturesque route in a super-fast 30:02. With a course that’s obviously conducive to fast times the race looks sure to be one of the most competitive in recent years. As Athenry is on a direct rail line to Dublin many athletes are expected to travel from the capital for the race. James Lundon said, “We’re really hopeful for a big turnout on the day. The number of people taking part in running events in the County has grown steadily in recent years and we’re sure a lot of those people are going to want to take part in this great race. There’ll be a Fun Run element on the day so that absolutely anyone can take part.” The race will start at 14:00 close to Athenry Railway station. Course Map To view a map of the course please click here. Travelling to Athenry by Rail from Dublin A scheduled train service departs Dublin’s Heuston Station at 08:40 on race day, arriving into Athenry at 11:16. There are trains returning to Dublin on the day at 16:31 and 18:28. The train station is adjacent to race registration and changing area. Race Registration Area Race registration will take place in the Sports Hall of the Presentation College Athenry. There will be changing space for both men and women but it will not be possible to provide showers after the race. Entries will be taken up to and including the day of the race. Pre-entries have already exceeded 300 which is comfortably the largest field ever assembled for the event. Fit4Life Runners Especially Welcome The AAI Fit4Life has been a huge success all around the country and particularly so in County Galway. Clubs all over the county have benefited from an infusion of enthusiasm, fresh legs and willing runners over the last twelve months all thanks to Fit4Life. Athenry AC are anxious that as many of these new recruits to athletics as possible join us for the 10k Championships in Athenry. We’ll do all we can to make you welcome. For more race details see www.athenryac.com or email enquiries to info@athenryac.com.