Masters Athlete Billy Cabal Launches 16th Annual Cheetah Run at Fota Wildlife Park

Eagle Athletic Club's popular Cheetah Run returns to Fota Wildlife Park this May, with the 16th edition officially launched by masters athlete Billy Cabal, the event's most loyal participant since it began in 2008.

Billy Cabal, aged 83 and a member of St. Finbarr's AC, is a European Masters bronze medallist in weightlifting and continues to compete at masters level in both weightlifting and athletics. He took up running in his 60s and has completed more Cheetah Runs than any other runner in the event's history.

Also at the launch were emerging Cork athletes Alison Brennan (Ballymore Cobh AC) and siblings Louise and Laura Towhig (Blarney Inniscarra AC).

The annual event gives participants the rare chance to run through the grounds of Fota Wildlife Park, passing giraffes, zebras, ostriches, cheetahs, and other animals along the route. It serves as a key fundraising event for the Park's conservation work; last year, it raised €5,000 for the Red Panda Network.

The 2026 event takes place on Thursday, 14 May, with gates opening at 6:30pm. The 1-Mile Juvenile Race for runners aged 11 to 15 starts at 7:15pm, with a maximum of 125 participants. The 5k Race for adults aged 16 and over begins at 8:00pm.

Entry fees are €20 (plus processing fee) for the 5k and €10 (plus processing fee) for the 1-Mile Race. An Athletics Ireland levy applies to non-members.

Speaking at the launch, Billy Cabal said:

"I'm absolutely thrilled to be launching the 2026 Cheetah Run. With a lifelong participation in weightlifting, I only started running in my 60's. I lift weights every morning at home, run several times a week, and enter as many races as possible. One certain event each year for me is the Cheetah Run. This is a unique event that Cork runners really look forward to, it brings people together to enjoy running, get active, spend time outdoors, and support an important charity at the heart of the community, Fota Wildlife Park."

Karen Bevan, race director alongside Ruairi Egan at Eagle AC, said:

"We're really delighted to have Billy Cabal launch the 2026 Cheetah Run. He's our most regular runner in the event, and his consistency in returning year after year says a lot about what makes this race so special. Billy is an inspirational member of the Cork running community and perfectly captures what the Cheetah Run is all about, bringing people together to support the fantastic work done at Fota Wildlife Park. As always, we recommend you sign up early as this is a hugely popular event sell out every year!"

Aileen Tennant, Director of Fota Wildlife Park, added:

"To Eagle AC and every runner who has joined the race, a huge thank you from the team at Fota. The annual Cheetah Run raises awareness, helps to fund conservation, and connects people with nature. We are very grateful to you for showing up for wildlife."

The event is sponsored by John Buckley Sports and Brooks Running. Online registration opens at 9:00am on Tuesday, 7 April 2026, at Eventmaster.ie.