Galway Bay Half Marathon and 10km - 6th October 2012

joeKel73

Don't see a thread on this. Anyone here doing the half marathon or 10km in Galway?

http://www.galwaybayhalfmarathon.com

I signed up yesterday for the 10km - my first run!

dev123

J o e wrote: »

Don't see a thread on this. Anyone here doing the half marathon or 10km in Galway?

http://www.galwaybayhalfmarathon.com

I signed up yesterday for the 10km - my first run!

A 35 quid 10k...... I might give this one a skip

blockic

Doing the half alright, done it last year too. Was a well organised race. Nice course and location too

martyboy48

I'm doing the 10k myself. Haven't done this event before but a good cause will benefit from it..

dev123

martyboy48 wrote: »

I'm doing the 10k myself. Haven't done this event before but a good cause will benefit from it..

How much of the entry fee goes to the charity? You receive a sponsorship card upon entering which might be what the charity will receive

martyboy48

dev123 wrote: »

How much of the entry fee goes to the charity? You receive a sponsorship card upon entering which might be what the charity will receive

Don't know what percentage goes to the charity, was roped into it by my sister(both fairly new to running)... Basically, she said If I agreed to do it with her, she would pay my entry and collect money on behalf of both of us... Agree with you on the cost though, bit steep for what it is....

blockic

dev123 wrote: »

How much of the entry fee goes to the charity? You receive a sponsorship card upon entering which might be what the charity will receive

I believe it is either 5 or 10 euro of each entry goes to Cancer Care West.

I have emailed them to clarify.

blockic

Got back to me there very efficiently.

"€5 from every entry fee goes directly to Cancer Care West - we are expecting this to reach €15,000 this year from entry fees. As well as that Cancer Care West receives a further €50 for each Civil Defense Marshall that helps out. And they also receive some smaller sponsorships around the event. On top of this participants are asked to fundraise for Cancer Care West. Their total target this year is to reach €100,000. €1.8million has been raised for Cancer Care West through these events over the past 9 years."

joeKel73

Bit annoyed at that.

Last year 1040 did the 10k and 956 did the half marathon. If only €5 goes to CCW, then that's (1040 x €30) + (956 x 40) = €69,440.

Surely it can't cost €69k to run the event, even after insurance etc?

I don't like the idea of businesses making big profit from an event advertised as being "in aid of Cancer Care West".

dazza21ie

The route on their website for the half is showing up a distance of 12.54 miles. Bit out there!

blockic

dazza21ie wrote: »

The route on their website for the half is showing up a distance of 12.54 miles. Bit out there!

Yeah the actual route is 13.1 miles. And the route on the website is actually the correct one, 2 laps of the track.

However i think that the mapmyrun cant calculate the pier, as a result it comes up with 12.54 instead of the 13.1 which it is.

tang1

J o e wrote: »

Bit annoyed at that.

Last year 1040 did the 10k and 956 did the half marathon. If only €5 goes to CCW, then that's (1040 x €30) + (956 x 40) = €69,440.

Surely it can't cost €69k to run the event, even after insurance etc?

I don't like the idea of businesses making big profit from an event advertised as being "in aid of Cancer Care West".

As long as there is interest in a "race for profit" race like this they will keep taking your money.

Enduro

J o e wrote: »

Bit annoyed at that.

Last year 1040 did the 10k and 956 did the half marathon. If only €5 goes to CCW, then that's (1040 x €30) + (956 x 40) = €69,440.

Surely it can't cost €69k to run the event, even after insurance etc?

I don't like the idea of businesses making big profit from an event advertised as being "in aid of Cancer Care West".

And it used to be worse. In 2009 and 2010 exactly nothing from the race entry fee went to charity, despite it being advertised as a charity fundraiser. Remember, in the end it is a commercial race being run to make money for the organisers. Hence the relatively high entry fee.

tang1

Enduro wrote: »

And it used to be worse. In 2009 and 2010 exactly nothing from the race entry fee went to charity, despite it being advertised as a charity fundraiser. Remember, in the end it is a commercial race being run to make money for the organisers. Hence the relatively high entry fee.

It was my first ever race in 2010 & i got berated by a local lady on my way back to my car for the reasons stated above. Haven't done it since.

joeKel73

I've sent them an email to clarify that it's mostly for-profit.

joeKel73

tang1 wrote: »

As long as there is interest in a "race for profit" race like this they will keep taking your money.

I wouldn't mind paying for a well organised "race for profit" but don't like them presenting it as being "in aid of" a charity.

Enduro

J o e wrote: »

I wouldn't mind paying for a well organised "race for profit" but don't like them presenting it as being "in aid of" a charity.

+1 to that. It just doesn't sit well.

joeKel73

J o e wrote: »

I've sent them an email to clarify that it's mostly for-profit.

Got an email back...

This issue was dealt with extensively in the press last year
http://www.galwaynews.ie/21906-charity-happy-monies-raised-city-marathons

But I am happy to clarify further...
I've been involved with this event in a voluntary capacity for the last 9 years, and was actually at the very first meeting in the set up of the race. The number of participants initially increased year on year but when the economy turned, the numbers declined significantly - enough to threaten if it would actually continue or not. For the first 5 years the event was managed by Cancer Care West, with the majority of the work being undertaken by a team of volunteers.

With the economic recession the in kind sponsorship and availability of volunteers reduced to the extent that the Charity/Organisers decided to turn the event into a commercially run event, where everyone gets paid, significant marketing activities are carried out and Cancer Care West would continue to benefit also without having to get involved in any of the organisation. Luckily, this strategy worked and the event is now going from strength to strength again and Cancer Care West continue to benefit - as well as the €5 from each entry fee, many participants fundraise and donate to Cancer Care West and I understand that the event is still one of the largest fundraising events for the charity. €1.8million has been raised for Cancer Care West through these events over the past 9 years.

If you would like to clarify any of this with the charity, Sharon would be only to happy to give you more information on this. Her email is sharon@cancercarewest.ie or you could call her at the Cancer Care West offices in Galway.

I had a look at article from last year and it says "€5 from each entry fee of €35 (10k) or €45 (half-marathon) went directly to Cancer Care West and this was made clear to each entrant as soon as he or she registered for either of the two races". I went through the registration process again and can't see any mention of the €5 or anything on the website...

Enduro

The €1.8 million raised for Cancer Care West was when the event was known as the Galway Bay 10 (mile), prior to the establishment of it as a commercial enterprise in 2009 under the name Galway Bay Half Marathon & 10k. They are therefore two separate events - prior to 2009 and since 2009. So the more pertinant question is how much exactly did it raise for Cancer Care West since 2009 - both directly or indirectly. With no part of the fees directly going to charity in 2009 and 2010, it therefore directly raised approximately 10k for Cancer Care West in the three editions of the race combined thus far (all contributed in 2011 only after the issue was raised in the Galway media).

CivilEx

.

CivilEx

I did the 10k last year and I'm signed up for the half marathon this year. The course is relatively flat along the promenade with only one hill to speak of near the 5k turn. It was well marshalled last year with plenty of water stops and plenty of public support to give you the extra kick. If last year is anything to go by, there will be a huge range of people running with times going to be from 34 min or so to 2 hours for the 10k.

I'm looking forward to the buzz that Galway gives you with 3000 or so people likely to be running on the day.

Weylin

45 euros for half marathon :eek:
35 euros for 10k.
http://www.runireland.com/events/galway-bay-half-marathon-10k
seems a bit steep just to run up and down the prom.......
(price does include t-shirt and other stuff):D

joeKel73

I asked the organisers in reply to their email last week where on the website or during the registration does it show that it's only €5 to the charity. 5 days ago, they haven't replied to that.

keithrus

This is a big event considering the numbers. Yes its a shame that the CCW dont get more but consider this. From what I hear there are 2000 people running. And if you multiply that by 5 its 10k. Now that's excluding any donation from cards etc. Its a big event too and police etc have to be paid. I went last year and it went very well. Anyways best of luck to all involved and go beat that personal best

Marty09

Did my 1st Half Marathon at this event last year.
Have done a few since and plenty other 10k events.

Found the Galway Half Marathon/ 10k overall event to be very well organised.
- Good flat scenic course, different start times for 10k and 1/2 marathon.
- Well marshalled
- Nice T-Shirt & goodie bag from the registration center.
- Pre-event warm up / music etc.
- Very good after race hospitality with Lucozade Sport, fruit, sandwhiches , tea etc.
- All runners chip timed

Only improvement I would recommend would be to use pacers on the half marathon for runners aiming for times at 1:30, 1:40, 1:50 etc.

Definetly will do this year.

QandA

J o e wrote: »

I wouldn't mind paying for a well organised "race for profit" but don't like them presenting it as being "in aid of" a charity.

Agreed and to add to that further, I don't mind paying Eur25 for a charity 10k (Dublin Tunnel Run, Great Pink Run) but Eur35 for a race-for-profit is a bit cheeky to say the least,even if it's well organised!

I was thinking of doing this one but with over-night expense and travel from Dublin required already, I think I'll leave others to fill the pockets of the organisers!

joeKel73

J o e wrote: »

I asked the organisers in reply to their email last week where on the website or during the registration does it show that it's only €5 to the charity. 5 days ago, they haven't replied to that.

The organisers are following the thread and replied to my email after seeing this post 6 days ago. They said they'd mention that it's only €5 to the charity in the website FAQs as soon as they can get their tech to do it. No sign of it yet, will be a bit pointless when everyone's signed up.

Since you're following the thread would be good to hear a reply to this;

Enduro wrote: »

The €1.8 million raised for Cancer Care West was when the event was known as the Galway Bay 10 (mile), prior to the establishment of it as a commercial enterprise in 2009 under the name Galway Bay Half Marathon & 10k. They are therefore two separate events - prior to 2009 and since 2009. So the more pertinant question is how much exactly did it raise for Cancer Care West since 2009 - both directly or indirectly. With no part of the fees directly going to charity in 2009 and 2010, it therefore directly raised approximately 10k for Cancer Care West in the three editions of the race combined thus far (all contributed in 2011 only after the issue was raised in the Galway media).

Anyway aside from the high entry price I hope everyone raises plenty of money for Cancer Care West! Great charity!

joeKel73

J o e wrote: »

They said they'd mention that it's only €5 to the charity in the website FAQs as soon as they can get their tech to do it. No sign of it yet, will be a bit pointless when everyone's signed up.

Entries now closed - the €5 to charity never did get added to the website.

PWEI

Had planned to sign up for this but was waiting until I got paid tomorrow.

Does anybody know if they have a waiting list for transfers?

Weylin

2012 SOLD OUT!
http://www.galwaybayhalfmarathon.com/

joeKel73

3000 entries this year :eek:.

So if it's roughly half for each event like last year, the organisers stand to take in €120,000. Only €15,000 of that passed on to Cancer Care West.

student2010

J o e wrote: »

3000 entries this year :eek:.

So if it's roughly half for each event like last year, the organisers stand to take in €120,000. Only €15,000 of that passed on to Cancer Care West.

That's a serious wad of cash they stand to turn over. Was half thinking about doing the half but it's incredibly expensive @ €45, did the Charleville half at the weekend for €30 on a teriffic well organised course, €35 for a 10k is the most I've seen for a 10k ever, pure taking the biscuit here, €20 is the most I've seen any other race charging, doing the Cork to Cobh 15 mile for €10 instead. Anyone else share the same sentiments or I am just being picky?

Gambas

student2010 wrote: »

That's a serious wad of cash they stand to turn over. Was half thinking about doing the half but it's incredibly expensive @ €45, did the Charleville half at the weekend for €30 on a teriffic well organised course, €35 for a 10k is the most I've seen for a 10k ever, pure taking the biscuit here, €20 is the most I've seen any other race charging, doing the Cork to Cobh 15 mile for €10 instead. Anyone else share the same sentiments or I am just being picky?

I think it is a fair complaint, but so long as they are able to get 3000 to pay what they want (including me..) it is hard see it changing.

What ever about the half, I can't believe people would pay €35 for a 10k being run off at 9:45am to make way for a 'bigger race'.

student2010

Gambas wrote: »

I think it is a fair complaint, but so long as they are able to get 3000 to pay what they want (including me..) it is hard see it changing.

What ever about the half, I can't believe people would pay €35 for a 10k being run off at 9:45am to make way for a 'bigger race'.

Yeah €35 is really just beyond me, an incredible amount to fork out for that distance.

Athenry ac have announced that their annual 10k will go ahead in December, €18 early entry and €20 late entry, top class field too.

Why the gap in price structure? Fair enough the tech tee would cost €15 to €20 minimum, €35 to €40 maximum to buy in a store but €35 is still outrageous.

9:45 is very early for such a distance too and as you said it's to make way for the main event later, bad form imo

mr.wiggle

student2010 wrote: »

Yeah €35 is really just beyond me, an incredible amount to fork out for that distance.

Why the gap in price structure? Fair enough the tech tee would cost €15 to €20 minimum, €35 to €40 maximum to buy in a store but €35 is still outrageous.

You're way out on the price of a tec-tee. These can be , and are got at prices below 10e from foreign makers on the inter-web. Got one of the best tec-t's I own , in a race last year and found out from one of the organisers it cost 4e !

Mr.W.

boodiebhoy

does anyone know if there is a safe bag drop at sart of this race?

joeKel73

Just got an email with my number for this.

boodiebhoy wrote: »

does anyone know if there is a safe bag drop at sart of this race?

Don't know how safe but yeah this was in the email;
What facilities are available at the start and finish line?
Storage area for belongings for registered participants (at owners risk). As bags will be stored outdoors please ensure they are waterproof.

catweazle

The first year I entered this they were charging 60 euros for the 10k IIRC. I think that was the year they sent the leading runner a rabbit (thirstywork) the wrong way.

Was very badly run that year and they got a lot of negative feedback, the following year I think they replaced their race director - they did reduce their prices and seemed to take a lot of the feedback on board. I thought it was a much better organized race myself

Its still pricy enough particularly the 10k but compared to the Achill and Connemara 1/2 marathons its cheaper. I agree though that I hate seeing loads of mentions of in aid of Cancer Care West and then finding out only 5 euros of it is going to charity

Profiteering on the back of the charity if you ask me, I know Cancer Care West are probably delighted to get any money at all but perhaps they should be more cautious about lending their name to it when they see what the overall profit of this race is

eldiva

Was considering running this but the price put me off. 35 euro for a 10k or 45 for a half is crazy money.

Did the race in 2009 and they had a much better course which was more rural and challenging and yes thirstywork was sent the wrong way during the marathon while leading it. They had to have road closures in 2009 due to the course

The course changed in 2010 and the half is just two loops of the promenade.

Think i'll run the Tallaght 5mile or Simon run instead this year

thirstywork2

eldiva wrote: »

Was considering running this but the price put me off. 35 euro for a 10k or 45 for a half is crazy money.

Did the race in 2009 and they had a much better course which was more rural and challenging and yes thirstywork was sent the wrong way during the marathon while leading it. They had to have road closures in 2009 due to the course

The course changed in 2010 and the half is just two loops of the promenade.

Think i'll run the Tallaght 5mile or Simon run instead this year

Thanks for the reminder,goes down as the worst organised race I ever raced.Was told after I would get a €100 elverys voucher :mad:
The race will attract a strong field though with very good cash prizesfor individuals and teams.Streets of Galway and Loughrea top of my Galway list.

spurscormac

thirstywork2 wrote: »

Thanks for the reminder,goes down as the worst organised race I ever raced.Was told after I would get a €100 elverys voucher :mad:
The race will attract a strong field though with very good cash prizesfor individuals and teams.Streets of Galway and Loughrea top of my Galway list.

I was spectating that day as it went close to my house. Level of marshaling & lack of road closures was bad enough, but there was also a fatal car crash the previous night on the Moycullen road which caused its closure. Ridiculously, the cops diverted all traffic onto the back roads, but without any indication as to where they should turn back to get towards town. They should have been diverted back before reaching the race route, but weren't.
I tried to help out with the kids who were marshaling at the end of my road, but some drivers were idiotic & nearly ran over runners on numerous occasions.

I think the organisers learnt there lessons from then on - hence a lot of the route is now on the prom/paths in salthill.

charkee

ran race in 2010 and 2011 and enetered for 2012.

thought race and organisation fine,There is a bag drop to answer another query!

blockic

How diid this go? Was the weather good?

Couldn't make it in the end. Had to adjust to Athlone tomorrow due to training plan.

Hope you broke 70m J o e...

martyboy48

Did the 10k, weather was absolutely stunning, lovely sunshine and no wind even along the prom. Well marshalled and very enjoyable. Water,apples,bananas,powerade at finish. Trailers selling soup ect at finish if yo had someone waiting.
Very early start (for me anyway) but the glorious weather made it very enjoyable

joeKel73

Perfect weather for it today!

They changed the course - wasn't the same as the website. Preferred the new course though. Was it me or were the 6 and 7km marks missing? That threw me a bit, didn't know how I was doing!

blockic wrote: »

Hope you broke 70m J o e...

I think I might have snuck in under the hour! Was just over on the clock and just under on my watch... hopefully the chip time matches the watch!

gally74

i think the 6 and 7 markers were missing aswell as i was keeping my pace vs those signs,

what weather it would have passed for california!

blockic

J o e wrote: »

I think I might have snuck in under the hour! Was just over on the clock and just under on my watch... hopefully the chip time matches the watch!

Congrats! Push on from here now! Get your log title changed to Half Marathon!

Bugsy2000

Say what you like about the funding / donation structures, you can't fault the race itself.

Great course, well marshalled, great atmosphere (well for the half anyway, the earlier start kinda killed the crowds for the 10k). Any amount of water bottles on the course & afterwards. Plenty of powerade bottles afterwards. As you entered the finishers tent you could choose from pasta salad (quite nice too) & plenty of fruit. And for those who want them; the t-shirt & medal are decent too.

Fair enough the race is costly and people are always going to have issues around the €5 donation but this is my second year doing the race & race day has been faultless both times.

Well not exactly faultless but thats only becasue my own race was a nightmare. Was knocking out a decent pace & feeling very comfy when at the 6 mile marker I got a right b!tch of a stitch. And could I hell get rid of it. I had to get through the next 7 miles with it, was close to tears at times, bloody painful to catch a breath at times.

On to the next one!

ebixa82

Still no results up. Could it be possible that the rag of the Indo demanded nothing be released before they publish them in the paper to force people to buy it?

I'm not a conspiracy theorist but any other race I've ever done (runs/tris/duathalons) have them up within a few hours.

Bad form whatever the reason.

blockic

ebixa82 wrote: »

Still no results up. Could it be possible that the rag of the Indo demanded nothing be released before they publish them in the paper to force people to buy it?

I'm not a conspiracy theorist but any other race I've ever done (runs/tris/duathalons) have them up within a few hours.

Bad form whatever the reason.

wont be up until monday night after indo have published them.

happened last year also

ebixa82

blockic wrote: »

wont be up until monday night after indo have published them.

happened last year also

So it is a case of that rag owning the rights. That's ridiculous.

You pay 45e to enter, of which only 5e goes to charity and now this shi.te!

Fcuk that