First cross the line Sandis Bralitis in Bantry for the Bay Run 2013.

RUNNERS and walkers from across the country made their way to Glengarriff on Sunday last for the start of the annual Bay Run.

Over 700 participants took to the start line for the 13-mile race from Glengarriff to Bantry. ‘We were delighted once again with the turn out for the Bay Run 2013 and as usual the event was a fantastic day out for the runners, walkers and the many, many supporters who lined the route all the way into Bantry,’ Bay Run organiser, Diarmaid Murphy told the West Cork Times.

As all those walking the route got underway at 9.30am on Sunday morning the runners prepared to tackle the 13-mile road race to Bantry half an hour later. ‘We had some excellent runners from across the country taking part and I would like to congratulate all those who achieved personal best times at the Bay Run this year,’ Diarmaid continued.

First over the line in the men’s category was Sandis Bralitis with a time of 01.09.32, followed in second place by Alan O’Shea with 01.12.12 and Gavin Sweeny taking third place with 01.12.23. First female across the line in Bantry was Claire Gibbons-McCarthy with a time of 01.21.04, in second place Nollaigh O’Neill with a time of 01.25.06 and taking third place Anne-Marie Holland with 01.27.05.

‘I want to talk all the volunteers, marshals and the Gardaí both in Glengarriff and Bantry for making the day so successful. Both Ronan O’Riordan and myself would like to thank everybody who has taken part and helped organised the Bay Run over the years. Next year the Maritime Hotel will be organising the event and we would like to wish them all the best with the Bay Run 2014 and we hope for many years more,’ Diarmaid concluded.