Storm Amy postponed things by a week, but Run Galway Bay did eventually go ahead, and I’m happy to have completed my fourth race there.
It’s a place I’ve historically done quite well, and a route I know like the back of my hand.
Run Galway Bay
Given that it’s Galway – and Salthill in particular – we’re always at the mercy of the weather, and I was actually surprised (and relieved) that it was cancelled last week (don’t make unnecessary journeys and all that). I’ve ran this race in the wind and it’s not the nicest. As it happened, we got a lovely day for it in 2025.
Here’s a rundown of my races and results since the 2019 edition.
2019 Half Marathon - 56th place finish in a time of 1:29:44
2021 Marathon - 7th place finish in 2:57:49
2022 10k - 11th place finish in 37:39
Build up
Not the best build up for this one. Bit of a chest infection after a trip abroad so I took a full week running rest.
This rest may have stood to me though, as I felt pretty fresh on the day. I jogged over nice and early, had a stretch, and soaked in a bit of the atmosphere.
Race Report
Good race, well paced. Just like the Gold Coast Marathon I attained a negative split and achieved my A Goal (from my August update), which is always a nice feeling.
| KM | Experience |
|---|---|
| 0-11k | A good start near the front and I instantly eased into a 4:14 pace. |
| 11-14k | Feeling good after the first 11k and finishing up the first big lap with breeze at my back I increased to sub 4:10 pace. |
| 14-17k | Making the way back out towards Blackrock. Breeze against us and some hills but I maintained 4:04 pace. |
| 17-21k | On the home straight. Passed out a few people and motored with a strong sub 4min/km pace. |
| Final 400m | Wasn't sure I had this in me, but a cheer from a member of Galway City Harriers inspired me at South Park to finish strong, and it felt great seeing the 1:26:30 as I turned the final corner, knowing I'd get sub 1:27! |
Post-Race
Picked up my race box and strolled back to the gaff with Dooli. Legs struggling more than usual for a half marathon race, which I put down to the lack of recent running.
Eventually headed up to NRG to relax in the sauna and jacuzzi – finally gave the ice bath a go too (for about 20 seconds).
I decided to forgo the celebratory pints this time. Have I turned a corner perhaps? Probably too early to say.
What I will say though, is that the race is exactly 350 days before my next big one. More on that later this month 😏
DavAI SummAIriser
Want a quick summary of this post?
