Around two thousand runners compete in the Galway City Marathon.
Wheelchair racers Michael Cunningham and Gerry O'Rourke from Dublin led the race with their eyes set on a new Irish record. Seconds later, the main group set off. A thousand runners were taking on the 26 mile marathon. and a further eleven hundred more who had raised more than £25,000 taking part in the charity 10 mile fun run.
It was not long before the leading group opened up a gap of about four minutes between themselves and the rest of the runners. At the 13 mile mark, the leading group was reduced to three.
Billy Gallagher of the Roscommon Harriers was first across the finishing line in a time of 2 hours 19 minutes and 58 seconds. Jimmy Cardiff of Kildare AC came in second place with Paul Delaney from Laois taking third place.
Both men admitted that it had been a tough run.
Brigid McCabe was the first woman across the line.
The 10 mile fun run was won by Joe Scanlon of the Galway City Harriers.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 11 April 1982. The reporter is Jim Fahy.
