Inaugural Marty Gallagher run and walk

The event is being staged in memory of Marty Gallagher who was a gifted and much respected member of Foyle Valley A.C.

Marty was tragically knocked down and killed by a car almost one year ago, on November 1st 2009.

Starting opposite St Brigids College, Glengalliagh Road, at 11am, the route will go along the Glengalliagh Road, turn left down the Skeoge Road and left again at the Buncrana Road to finish at Templemore Sports Complex.

Registration will be at Templemore Sports Complex: - 12noon-5pm Saturday 2nd October and 9am-10.30am Sunday 3rd October. The race itself will start at 11am. As large numbers are expected the organisers would like as many people as possible to register on the Saturday to avoid any delays on Sunday morning.

Competitors should allow approximately 15 minutes to walk/jog from Templemore Sports Complex to the start at St Brigid’s College.

Martin Gallagher senior will act as starter with the walkers getting away just after the runners.

The race fee is 7 and each entrant will receive a commemorative long sleeve t-shirt and a snack at the finish of the course. There will be prizes for the usual run categories and a Perpetual trophy for the first male and female runners.

A spokesman said: “Foyle Valley is very grateful to the sponsors who have stepped forward very generously to support this inaugural race: Paul’s Butchers, A and A Systems Ltd, Ferguson Fuels, Myra‘s, Glassagh Taxis, Four Star Pizza, Chill, CB Motors/The Furniture Factory, Tribal Markings. A particular word of thanks goes to the friends of Marty, Richard and Ryan who have also supported this inaugural race with a donation.

We are also grateful as a club to Ciaran Mc Fadden of the Three Flowers Restaurant/Bar at Coshquin who has agreed to host the after race presentation and buffet from around 12.30.”

Foyle Valley Club secretary, Joe Morrison, added: “The run on Sunday, October 3rd will serves as an act of remembrance and an act of gratitude to young Marty for all his contribution to the club and to all our lives. Hopefully it will also serve as a support to the whole of the Gallagher family.”