The sun came out on Galway Bay on Saturday, October 3rd, as over 1,000 athletes, runners, walkers and strollers took to the roads along the coast for the first Elverys Sports Galway Bay Half Marathon.

Lebette Debele, winner of the first Elverys Sports Galway Bay Half Marathon

The Half Marathon was won by Lebette Debele from Limerick in a time of one hour 14 minutes. Originally from Ethiopia, but now living in Limerick, Lebette was delighted with his €1,000 prize.

The first woman across the line was Paula Prendergast from Mayo who claimed her €1,000 first prize with a time of one hour 33 minutes.

In addition to the main Half Marathon a large crowd of Cancer Care West Supporters ran and walked the Galway Bay 10K.

The Full Marathon was won by Galway’s Aaron Turner in a time of 3:04. Diana Hogan-Murphy, who was this year,s winner of the Gobi Desert Marathon, claimed the women’s prize.

The six nominated charities – the Alan Kerins African Projects, Cancer Care West, COPE Galway, Croí, Enable Ireland and The Guide Dogs for the Blind – and their supporters enjoyed the after race refreshments in the Marquee. Peter Ferris MBE, who ran his 353rd Marathon, was also on hand to give after-race massages to raise money for Charity.

Peter has raised over €500,000 for charity so far. The party continued late into the night with over 300 participants descending on The Spanish Arch Hotel for much-needed rehydration.

The event was sponsored by Elverys Sports, the national retail chain store that originated in the West of Ireland. “It’s fantastic to have a big national brand like Elverys Sports associated with this event and we are all committed to making this  a truly great annual Galway event.’ said Bernard Duffy, race organiser.