Masters Athlete Billy Cabal Launches 16th Annual Cheetah Run at Fota Wildlife Park for 2026.
- karenbevanluxton
- 1 day ago
- 3 min read
The 16th annual Eagle Athletic Club (AC) Cheetah Run was officially launched on April 6th, 2026 in Fota Wildlife Park by Masters Athlete Billy Cabal, aged 83, the event’s most dedicated participant and the runner who has completed more Cheetah Runs than anyone else since the race began in 2008.
Taking place on Thursday, May 14th, 2026, the Cheetah Run remains one of Ireland’s most distinctive running events, offering participants the rare chance to race through the grounds of Fota Wildlife Park while supporting the Park’s vital conservation work.
Celebrating a Cork Sporting legend.
Billy Cabal is a European Masters bronze medallist in weightlifting and is and a proud St Finbarr’s AC athlete. He continues to compete at the Masters levels, lining out in the Cork Intermediate & Masters Cross‑Country Championships in January 2026 and the County Track & Field Championships on June 22nd, 2025. His dedication, longevity, and love of sport make him a cherished figure in Cork’s running community and a familiar, much‑loved presence at the Cheetah Run every year.
Also present at today’s launch representing both the current and future strength of Cork running was Alison Brennan of Ballymore Cobh. She was the first girl home in last year’s 1‑mile event and is a talented young runner in both Cross-Country and Track events. She was joined by the Louise & Laura Twohig of Blarney Inniscarra AC, part of a well‑known Cork running family. Their older brother, Conor Twohig, finished as the second boy home in last year’s 1‑mile race, while their parents, Margaret and Barry, are both talented St Finbarr’s AC runners.
A Race Like No Other
The Cheetah Run is renowned for its unforgettable setting. Runners pass giraffes, zebras, ostriches, cheetahs, and other wildlife as they make their way through the Park’s pathways.
In 2025, the event raised €5,000 for the Red Panda Network, supporting global efforts to protect this endangered species. Each year, proceeds contribute to Fota Wildlife Park’s conservation programmes, including endangered species protection and native wildlife initiatives.
Race directors Karen Bevan & Ruairi Egan are recommending that you sign up early as this event sold out in 27 hours last year!
“Thank you to Billy Cabal, Alison Brennan, Louise & Laura Twohig for helping us to launch the 2026 Cheetah Run. Billy is 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."
"We are as always incredibly grateful to our ongoing sponsors John Buckley Sports and Brooks Running, who also return year after year to support this event."
Event Details – May 14th, 2026
• Gates open: 6:30 PM
• 1‑Mile Juvenile Race: 7:15 PM (ages 11–15, max 125 participants)
• 5K Race: 8:00 PM (ages 16+)
Entry Link:
Entry Fees:
• €20 + processing fee (5K)
• €10 + processing fee (1‑Mile)
An Athletics Ireland levy applies to non‑members.
Be Part of Something Wild.
Don’t miss your chance to take part in one of Ireland’s most unique and inspiring running events — and to help support the conservation work at Fota Wildlife Park.
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