FAQ

Refund policy

Run Galway Bay Entries are non-refundable.

when is the next event?

Run Galway Bay 2024 will take place on October 5th.

What is Run Galway Bay?

Run Galway Bay is an annual road race that includes a Full Marathon (26.2 miles), Half Marathon (13.1 miles) and a 10K.

How do I enter?

Enter HERE

What is the entry fee?

Entry fees are €60 for the full marathon, €50 for the half marathon and €35 for the 10K.

When Is the event taking place?

Our 2024 event will be taking place on Saturday, 5th October.

8:30am for the Full Marathon (26.2 miles)
10:30am for the 10K
12:15pm for the Half Marathon (13.1 miles)

When is the closing date for registering?

All events are expected to sell out each year – we advise you sign up as soon as you can if you’re interested in participating.

RACE NUMBERS

All numbers will be sent by post during the week before the event. We will not post any numbers to incomplete addresses so if for any reason you do not receive your number by Friday 4th October email us and we will have a replacement ready for you at the start area information desk. We can’t include safety pins in the pack this year as the An Post franking machine could not process the envelope with pins included. We will have safety pins at the start area for anyone who needs them. Please try and source your own pins to avoid queues at the start area.

IS THERE A BAG DROP?

There is no official bag drop. There is ample car parking a short distance from the start-finish area in any of the City car parks – we recommend that participants leave their belongings in their vehicles and bring an old jumper to wear until the race starts and dispose of it at the start line. All clothing will be collected and held until after the race and then disposed of. We cannot guarantee the safe return of any items left at the start line or at the water stations so again we would suggest wearing old clothes that are not of great value.

Is there parking at the start and finish line?

There is no parking along the course. The course is fully closed to traffic from 8:00am. There are many carparks in the city centre only a short walk from the start/finish area.

Where Do I collect my Race number?

Your Race number will be posted to you.

Can I transfer my registration to another person?

No, we cannot facilitate any name changes on entries.

What Does my Entry Fee Include?

The entry fee includes:
– Race entry
– Finishers T-shirt
– Finishers Medal
– Timing Chip
– Fruit and light refreshments after the event
– Water, first aid stations and toilets every three miles

What Is the Route?

Details of the route and a route map can be found by clicking on the relevant links below

10k Route Map

Half Marathon Route Map

Marathon Route Map

How is the race signposted?

There is a mile marker at each mile for the Half Marathon and each kilometre for the 10K. The race is measured and accredited by the Athletics Association of Ireland. The route will be clearly signposted and the route details are available on our route map for each event.

Is the race timed?

Yes, all events will be chip timed from the start line to finish line. The results will be available online as soon as possible after the event and top places will be announced on race day.

Are There Pacers?

Following a review with our Health & Safety Team we have decided not to have pacing groups at this year’s event as they attract big numbers of people running in close proximity to each other and the course is too narrow at parts.

Will The Roads Be Closed to Traffic?

Yes, the roads will be closed but it is just westbound traffic lane that will be closed allowing access for all residents and businesses along the route.

What Is The Cut Off Time?

Run Galway Bay does not have a cut off time, but our road closure finishes at 3:30 pm. At this point barriers and signs must be taken down.

Participants must then progress to the finish line using the footpath along the promenade.

Where Is My Timing Chip?

Your Timing Chip is built into the back of your race number. Don’t tamper with the chip and wear your number on the front of your top where race officials can see it.

Where is the start and finish line?

The start and finish line are located at Nimmo’s Pier in The Claddagh, at the edge of Galway City towards Salthill.

what race facilities are available?

Water stations, toilets, first aid centre, fruit and light refreshments, post race massage.

Important: No changing rooms or showers are available.

Are there Prizes?

Yes, there will be cash prizes and trophies across the Full Marathon, Half Marathon & 10K for top 3 male and female runners.

Prize Fund:
€500 1st place
€125 2nd place
€75 3rd place

Are there Water Stations / First Aid?

10K: There will be a water station at mile 3 and at the finish

Half Marathon: There will be a water station at mile 1, 4, 7, 10 and at the finish

Full Marathon: There will be a water station at mile 1, 2, 5, 8, 11, 14, 17, 20, 23 and at the finish.

At each water station, our volunteers will hand a 250 ml sports cap water bottle to those who are racing for a good time. If you are out for an enjoyable run rather than racing please help yourself to one bottle from each water station rather than taking it from the volunteers.

We have plenty of stock for everyone on the course and at the finish line but as it is predominantly self-service this year, please remember that if you take more than one bottle/bar etc at each point there may not be enough for everyone so we respectfully ask that all participants take one of everything. Please do not use bottles of water to cool down or wash.

CAN I DEFER OR CHANGE DISTANCE?

The cut off date to change or defer your entry is September 27th. It is not possible after this date.

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