Spot some runners at a Cheetah Run

The Eagles have landed at Fota again which can only mean one thing, the 2025 Cheetah Run.

Olympian Marian Heffernan, along with her daughters Regan and Tara Heffernan, launched the annual Eagle AC Cheetah Run on Wednesday, which is a major fundraising event for Fota Wildlife Park, a conservation charity.

Marian Heffernan said: “The annual Cheetah Run embraces so much of what is important to me, family, fitness, supporting a great cause and of course community. I’m delighted to get involved and launch the race this year as it helps raise awareness for conservation work that Fota Wildlife Park does as well as providing a great reason to get out there and get active, no matter what your level of fitness is. Every year, I’m thrilled to see runners of all ages and abilities come together for this fantastic event.”

Karen Bevan, one of the Eagle AC race directors alongside Ruairi Egan, said: “The Cheetah Run is one of the most exciting and unique races in the country, giving runners the chance to race through the stunning surroundings of Fota Wildlife Park. Whether you’re taking on the 5K (for adults and those aged 16+) or the 1 mile race (for ages 11-15), it’s a truly special experience, running past giraffes, ostriches, zebras, cheetahs, and more.

“This year, we are delighted to have Marian Heffernan launching our event. Marian is a hugely accomplished athlete, having represented Ireland in the 4x400m relay at the London 2012 Olympics. She has also won multiple national titles in the 400m and played a vital role as a coach in Irish athletics. Her daughters, Regan and Tara, are talented young athletes with achievements in athletics, gymnastics, soccer, and GAA, making them fantastic role models for our juvenile event.”

Online registration for this popular race will open on 1 April at Eventmaster.ie at 9am. The annual event is sponsored by John Buckley Sports and Brooks Running. Last year, the event raised an impressive €5,000 for the Giraffe Conservation Foundation, contributing to the protection of the endangered Rothschild giraffe.

Taking place on 15 May, the Cheetah Run is always a sell-out event, and this year, it features a special focus on the Anne Lucey Murphy Memorial Cup, awarded to the first female finisher of the 5K race. Anne was a much-loved member of Eagle AC and a familiar face at Cork running events, remembered fondly by all who knew her.

Director of Fota Wildlife Park, Aileen Tennant, said: “We are grateful to Eagle AC for organising this fantastic event and all the runners for supporting our conservation efforts. The Cheetah Run raises vital awareness that Fota Wildlife Park is a conservation charity involved in global endangered species breeding programmes and native species conservation projects, including the natterjack toad, the corncrake, and the Breeding Waders European Innovation Partnership (EIP) for the Curlew. This race is essential to our mission, and we’re excited to host it again, welcoming runners for a truly special opportunity to connect with nature.”

Gates will open at 6.30pm and the1-Mile Juvenile Race for participants aged 11 to 15 will begin at 7.15pm, with a maximum capacity of 125 runners. Following that, the 5K Race for participants aged 16 and older will start at 8pm.

The entry fee for the 5K Race is €18 (plus a processing fee), while the 1-Mile Race costs €10 (plus a processing fee). Additionally, an Athletics Ireland levy applies to runners who are not members of an AAI club.