Cork is never ‘two-tyred’ for charity

You’re going to need clothes that are warm, preferably flexible, and most importantly brimming with festive cheer if you want to take part in this year’s annual Cork Christmas Cracker Cycle for Marymount Hospice.

Returning on 29 November for its 16th outing, this heartwarming yearly event is dedicated to supporting the vital services delivered to families all over Cork by Marymount Hospice.

Participants are encouraged to go all-out with Christmas jumpers, onesies, lights, the whole lot, to show their Christmas spirit while raising money for a vital service. And don’t just focus on yourself; you can decorate your bike too!

This year’s routes, both starting and finishing at Marymount, include the 60km Mini Cracker and the 80km Maxi Cracker, offering something for every level of cyclist.

Returning again this year to launch the cycle was triple Olympian and double world and European rowing champion, Cork’s own Sanita Puspure. Sanita officially set the wheels in motion at a launch event at Marymount last month, inspiring cyclists of all ages and abilities to get involved and support a cause close to the community’s heart.

Adding a touch of extra Christmas magic, 94 year old Jack Callanan, one of the event’s longest-standing supporters since 2011, joined Sanita at the launch. Their enduring enthusiasm perfectly captures the sense of unity and joy that defines the Christmas Cracker.

To keep the festive competition alive, Marymount will once again present prizes for Best Club and Best Costume—so get creative, dress up in your most joyful holiday attire, and bring your festive flair to your bikes! With the support of motorcycle marshals and escort vehicles, every participant can enjoy a safe and smoothly run event.

Speaking at the launch, cyclist Tom Mahon said: “I cycle with a casual cycle group and an nOige in Cork. I’m doing this cycle because my father-in-law, my mother-in-law most recently in December, and my wife’s aunt, all spent time here in Marymount. I’ve been involved in fundraising for 40 years for lots of worthy causes and I think Marymount is an exceptionally worthy cause.”

Another Christmas Cracker cyclist, Nora Gallagher said: “I cycle during the week and many weekends with an nOige cycling group here in Cork city. I aways do my best to support this facility. There was someone very special to me at Marymount this year that I want to remember, so it is important to me to continue to show support.”

Both routes will get underway from Marymount near Curaheen, at 10am on 29 November, with registration starting at 8.30am. Anyone driving to the start will be directed to park at the greyhound stadium which is just across the N40 from Marymount.

For the Maxi Cracker route, gardaí will provide assistance to get cyclists safely around the Bandon Road Roundabout and up the Liberties hill past Dunnes. The Mini Cracker’route of 60km will turn left just before Innishannon, then Dunderrow, Kinsale, Halfway, and back to Marymount. The Maxi Cracker route of 80km will go through Innishannon, Bandon, Kilbrittain, Ballinspittle, Kinsale, Halfway, and back to Marymount. Routes will be well signposted with backup from motorcycle marshals and support vehicles.

To register, visit idonate.ie/event/MarymountChristmasCrackerCycle2025.

There is no event registration fee as participants are instead asked to make a voluntary donation. Refreshments will be provided to cyclists at start and end of the cycle.