Billy is a pro Cheetah Runner!

83 year old Billy Cabal was on hand this week to help launch this year’s Eagle Athletic Club (AC) Cheetah Run.

Billy has completed more Cheetah Runs than any other runner since its inception in 2008.

A member of St Finbarr’s AC, he is a European Masters bronze medallist in weightlifting and continues to compete at master’s level in athletics.

His recent appearances include the Cork Intermediate and Masters Cross Country Championships in January 2026 and the County Track and Field Championships in June 2025.

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 60s. 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.”

Also in attendance at the launch of this year’s event were emerging Cork athletes, Alison Brennan from Ballymore Cobh AC, and siblings Louise and Laura Towhig from Blarney Inniscarra AC.

Karen Bevan, one of the Eagle AC race directors alongside Ruairi Egan, 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!”

2026 marks to the 6th year of the annual Eagle Athletic Club (AC) Cheetah Run.

Online registration opened on Tuesday 7 April at Eventmaster.ie and the popular race is set to take place on Thursday 14 May at Fota Wildlife Park.

The annual race continues to serve as a key fundraising event for Fota Wildlife Park, and funds raised during the event support the Park’s vital ongoing conservation work.

The annual Cheetah Run offers participants the rare opportunity to run through the grounds of Fota Wildlife Park, passing giraffes, zebras, ostriches, cheetahs, and other animals along the route.

The yearly event features a 5k route for adults (aged 16 years +) and a 1-Mile Race for junior runners (11-15 years) and is sponsored by John Buckley Sports and Brooks Running.

Last year, the event raised €5,000 for the Red Panda Network, helping protect this endangered species. Funds raised annually support Fota Wildlife Park's conservation programmes, including endangered species protection and native wildlife initiatives.

Aileen Tennant, Director of Fota Wildlife Park, said: “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.”