Hi Dave
Glad to answer your question. There are a number of reasons compelling us to move the event from weekend of Sept. 12-13th.
1.) To encourage local participation
The Irish Open Canoe Polo held (for its first time)in Galway on 12-13th is an important fixture for Galway, and will suck many Galway paddlers into both competing and organisation of the event (200 + paddlers expected). The City of the Tribes race has long had a policy of encouraging strong local participation, even more so with the current blossoming of Galway Kayak Club. By moving the LD race back one week we hope to attract a strong local representation in addition to national paddlers for the only annual LD race west of the Shannon.
Note: Recently this summer we saw the IRL National K1&K2 marathon champs moved back from 4/5 of july TO 22\23 of Aug due to British Sprint Champs, in doing so, one could argue 'cluttering' domestic marathon fixtures at the back end of August (see below*) so there is clear precedence for facilitating other kayaking disciplines, in this case, even in a different country.
2.) Having the race a week later allows a "rest weekend" i.e no marathon fixtures, on the weekend of 12-13th. Due to the shifting of the Irish Marathon Nationals, the previous 4 weekends will have seen consecuticve action for many paddlers in Lower Liffey, K1/K2 Marathon Nationals*, UK Marathon nationals (attended by many IRL marathon paddlers) & the Liffey Descent.
All in all quite a punishing schedule for support crews, families, drivers, volunteers & paddlers. A 5th consecutive week might not suit road-weary people to travel to Galway Race. After a rest weekend we hope paddlers will be recharged to make trip to the excellent flat water race on the Corrib River.
3.) The Marathon World championships in recent years has involved a small number of paddlers some who may not have attended Galway Race in any case due to tapering for Worlds. In fact, very little is widely known about a team going this year? a proper bulletin/communication from marathon committee would help inform the marathon community.
Marathon Fixtures are usually set in a hurried confab back in January prior to AGM, when calendars’ of other disciplines, international fixtures, and other considerations are not necessarily finalized, or apparent.
I think fixture planning for 2010 would benefit from more consideration of the multi-disciplinary nature of kayaking, the geographical spread of races (for example - why no marathon race in Cork?), & the logistical & time demands placed on the marathon community and their all-important supporters.
best regards
Jim
