Photos of the RNLI Reindeer Run 5k in Fota - Sun 5th Dec 2021

The weather was ideal for this years RNLI Reindeer Run 5k in Fota on Sunday the 5th of December 2021 with lots of runners and walkers turning out to support this charity fundraiser.

RNLI Crosshaven have a gallery HERE

Joe & Anne Murphy have a gallery HERE

Notice: RNLI Reindeer 5k Run in Fota - Sun 5th Dec 2021

The RNLI have a number of marine rescue stations stationed on the coastline of Cork and they are holding their annual 5k Reindeer Run in Fota on Sunday the 5th of December 2021 at 11am.

The funds raised will support the work of the Ballycotton, Youghal and Crosshaven Lifeboat Stations.

Entry link HERE

From the RNLI.... Grab your antlers. Lace up those hooves. Be a lifesaver. Reindeer Run is a fun, festive way to be an RNLI lifesaver and raise vital funds to help support Ballycotton, Youghall and Crosshaven Lifeboat Stations. This years Cork run will be 5km at Fota on Sunday 5 December and to get involved please register here  RNLI.org/FotaReindeer

Note that the event is also open to walkers.

RNLI Crosshaven

Grab your antlers, lace up those hooves – help save lives at sea by getting on your running shoes for the RNLI’s Reindeer Run at Fota House and Gardens The RNLI is calling on the people of Cork to do their bit and join the RNLI’s 5K Reindeer Run at Fota House and Gardens at 11am on Sunday 5 December to help raise vital funds to support volunteer crews in their mission to save every one.

 
RNLI volunteer lifeboat crews across Ireland launched 945 times last year, coming to the aid of 1,147 people, 13 of whom were lives saved. That was an average of three people aided each day - rescues which were only possible because of the donations made to the charity by supporters.

It is hoped hundreds of people will don a pair of antlers or festive attire and join mascot Rookie the Reindeer to raise funds for the charity. All those participating will receive a medal. Runners, who must register (see below), and buy tickets for the event in advance, are encouraged to raise sponsorship which will go towards saving lives on the water.

Every time an RNLI crew launches, they are determined to save every one. But they can’t do it without people like you. Raising money through the Reindeer Run is a fun and festive way to get active and be a lifesaver, because you’ll be raising the vital funds that power the crew. It helps the RNLI recruit and train volunteers and could fund the kit they need to protect themselves. It helps ensure a lifeboat is ready when the call comes, and it helps deliver water safety advice far and wide.

RNLI Ballycotton

Eolan Walsh, Ballycotton RNLI Coxswain says: ‘The Reindeer Run is more important than ever this year. We always have to be ready in case the pagers go at Christmas, but it’s a big boost to know the Reindeer runners have been giving their support at this busy time of year to help ensure we can launch.

‘It can be hard on our family and friends if we disappear halfway through Christmas dinner, but the sea and the dangers it can bring never takes a holiday, so nor can we. Fundraising events are our own call for help, as we rely on the generosity of the public to fund our rescues and kit that helps keep the crews safe when they risk their lives for others.’

To register for the Reindeer Run at Fota House and Gardens or to set up your own
virtual one, please visit RNLI.org/FotaReindeer

RNLI Youghal

Video & Photos of the RNLI Reindeer Run in Fota...Sun 26th Nov 2017

The annual RNLI Reindeer Run was held this year on Sunday the 26th of November and there were 250 runners between both the 5k and 10k events.

Video of the event...



Photos...
1) Crosshaven RNLI have some photos HERE and HERE

New 5k course for the 2016 Cheetah Run in Fota Wildlife Park

The 2016 Cheetah Run in Fota Wildlife Park organised by Eagle AC is coming up on Thursday the 19th of May at 8pm. The park has been extended in the last year with the inclusion of a new Asian Sanctuary.

To cope with the numbers and to avoid lapping, the new course is now 5kms! This will take in all area of the Wildlife Park.

There will be a limit of 900 entries. Entries for the 5k will open on the 28th of April in two batches...450 at 10am and the remaining 450 at 7pm.

There is also a new 1 mile race for children this year (Ages 11, 12, 13, 14 & 15). This will take place before the 5k race at 7:15pm. The numbers will be limited to 200. Entries for this will open on the 5th of May in two batches...100 at 10am and 100 at 7pm. The one mile race will be chip timed and all finishers will receive a medal.

As always, entrants can bring family members to the race and there is also a 20% discount voucher from John Buckley Sports. Laya Healthcare is also a sponsor.

More details to follow soon.

RNLI Reindeer Run in Fota on Sun 24th Jan 2016 cancelled...

It looks as if the Winter weather has finally been too much for the RNLI Reindeer Run in Fota Gardens. It was originally supposed to take place at the end of November 2015 but had to be cancelled because of a storm. It was rescheduled for the 24th of January 2016 but with all the recent rain, the ground is just too soft.

Statement from the RNLI....We are sorry to inform you that the RNLI Reindeer Run and Santa Saunter due to take place this coming Sunday (24 January 2016) at Fota House and Gardens has been cancelled. We have made this decision at the request of Fota House and Gardens as the grounds are in a terrible state following the huge volume of rain over the last 2 months and will not be able to cope with 700 plus people walking on them.

While we are extremely disappointed to have to cancel the run, we have been honoured to have the support of Fota House and Gardens since we started the Reindeer Run and know that this decision has not been taken lightly. 

We will not be rescheduling this event at this stage, therefore we are offering a full refund, to request your refund please e-mail cpu AT rnli DOT org DOT uk quoting ‘Fota refund request’, the participant(s) name, order number and amount paid.

It might be worth remembering that the RNLI is a charitable oranisation that does some fantastic work around the country. I'd suggest you consider forgetting about the refund and let them get on with what they do best.

Notice...RNLI Reindeer Run...Skibbereen 22nd Nov & Fota 29th Nov 2015

This one might be of interest to anyone with young families or want to take part in a fun event while helping out the RNLI. There is a 5km Reindeer Run in Liss Ard Estate near Skibbereen on Sunday the 22nd of November and another one on the grounds of Fota House on Sunday the 29th of November.

Update...The rescheduled Reindeer Run in Fota will take place on Sunday the 24th of January 2016.

Entries......

Sun 22nd Nov...5k @11am / 10k @12 noon...Liss Ard Estate, Skibbereen...Click HERE

Sun 29th Nov ...5k @11am / 10k @12 noon...Fota Estate...Click HERE

From the RNLI......World champion Derval O’Rourke launches two RNLI Reindeer Runs in Cork 

The RNLI, the charity that saves lives at sea, has joined forces with World champion and European sprint hurdle medalist Derval O’Rourke to launch two RNLI Reindeer Runs in County Cork.

RNLI crew members Stephen Hurley from Union Hall RNLI, Liam Harty from Helvick Head RNLI, Martin Morris from Youghal RNLI and Shane Hurley from Union Hall RNLI (front) pictured with World champion Derval O’Rourke at the launch of the RNLI Reindeer Runs which will take place in Fota House and Gardens and Liss Ard Estate.

The three time Olympian athlete and author joined volunteer lifeboat crew from Cork to kick-start the festivities for the upcoming reindeer runs which will take place later this month. The events will be held at Liss Ard Estate in Skibbereen on Sunday 22 November and Fota House and Gardens outside Cobh on Sunday 29 November.

Due to the popularity of the reindeer run at Fota House which is now in its fourth year, the charity has introduced an extra venue at Liss Ard Estate. The stunning 200-acre site in West Cork is located close to the RNLI’s newest lifeboat station at Union Hall which was established on a trial basis in September last year.

Derval was joined by Union Hall RNLI crew members and Castlehaven GAA brothers Shane and Stephen Hurley, Helvick Head RNLI crew member Liam Harty and Youghal RNLI crew member Martin Morris.

Born and raised in County Cork where the RNLI has eight lifeboat stations, RNLI supporter Derval, is familiar with the charity’s lifesaving work: ‘Living in Cork, I am all too aware of the search and rescue work the RNLI carries out around the coast and of the commitment of its lifeboat crews who dedicate themselves to regular training and to responding to their pagers at any time of the day or night.

‘Having experienced the festive spirit at an RNLI reindeer run for the first time last year, I am delighted to see that the event is going from strength to strength and that the RNLI has introduced an additional venue for West Cork. These events are a great way for us to build in some exercise into what can be a hectic season while showing our support for our lifeboat crews as they continue to save lives at sea.’

Looking forward to the first reindeer run at Liss Ard Estate which begins at 10.30am, Stephen Hurley from Union Hall RNLI said: ‘We have had a busy first year in Union Hall and have been overwhelmed by the goodwill shown by the people of West Cork and much further afield.

‘Last year, RNLI lifeboats in Cork launched 163 times, bringing 218 people to safety. While the figures show that our lifeboat crews are busy all year round, some of our most challenging call outs will occur over the winter months. However, having the support of people who so generously fundraise and sign up to take part in events such as the reindeer run, means that we can avail of first class training and equipment and be ready to answer the call and help someone in need when our pagers go off.’ 

The second reindeer run in Cork takes place on Sunday, 29 November at Fota House and Gardens, starting at 10.30am.
 
All abilities and ages are catered for with participants choosing from a 5km or 10km walk/run or a shorter Santa Saunter.  Registration is now open online at rnli.org/reindeer and costs €20 for the 5K and €22 for the 10K. Children’s tickets are €10 and a family ticket (two adults and two children) is €55. All participants in the 5K and 10K will receive an RNLI Reindeer Run t-shirt, a pair of antlers and a car sticker.

Key facts about the RNLI.....The RNLI charity saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the Ireland and the UK. The RNLI operates over 230 lifeboat stations with 44 in Ireland. The RNLI is independent of the Coast Guard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824 its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 137,000 lives. The RNLI is a charity registered in England, Scotland and the Republic of Ireland.

Charity number CHY 2678 in the Republic of Ireland and registered in England and Wales (209603) and Scotland (SCO37736)

Additional Info...This is the approx route for the event in Fota.

 While the route isn't the exact same of the Rebel Run4Fun 5k which was held there last August, much of it is the same. You can see some photos of that route HERE which should give you a good idea of what it's like.

For more info on Liss Ard Estate, go to http://www.lissardestate.com/

Have a look at the 'Directions' tab and also at the photos of the garden in the 'Gallery'.

Results of the Fota Cheetah Run 4 mile race...Thurs 16th May 2013

Weather wise, it was a strange day with downpours of rain in Cork City in the afternoon and not a dro to be seen in Fota a few miles away. The wet weather eventually arrived around 7pm but cleared just in time for the race to start.

Yet again, another huge turnout  of almost 700 runners and this year, the introduction of chip timing seemed to work a treat. The only thing missing was a bit of sunshine!

1 Ben THISTLEWOOD             M     MS     (19:42)     19:42
2 James GRUFFERTY             M     MS     (19:57)     19:57
3 Tim ODONOGHUE             M     MS     (20:08)     20:08
20 Ann Marie HOLLAND             F     F35     (24:07)     24:08
30 Sinead PALEY             F     F40     (24:58)     24:59
43 Gillian COTTER             F     F35     (25:54)     25:56

The full results can be seen HERE

Photos...
1) Doug Minihane has a gallery of photos HERE

Video...

The start of the race (Video by Fota Wildlife Park)


Some of the animals having their own race...(Video by Fota Wildlife Park)



Remember, John Buckley Sports will give a 20% discount on production of your Cheetah Run Race number from Friday May 17th until Sat May 25th, i.e. for one week after the race. This discount applies to anything bought in the shop. So for example, you could buy a number of items and you will get 20% off the lot. Spend €60 and you will have saved the entry fee of the race.

Cork Marathon / Fota Cheetah Entries...

Cork City Marathon.......Well, this is it...the last day for entries to the Cork City Marathon and Relay. Just in case there are a few undecided out there then the link for entries is HERE

Fota Cheetah 4 mile run......(Updated Tues 8:30am)...As of 8am on Tuesday the 17th, there were approx 770 pre-entered........so that means that there are only 30 or so places remaining. Remember for safety reasons, the limit is 800 for this unique 4 mile race in Fota Wildlife Park.

To try and reach the limit, the entry closing date has now been extended until 5pm on Tuesday, the 17th of May.

Note from the organisers...."On-line entry has been extended until 5pm Tuesday next (unless the 800 limit has been reached) After on-line entry has closed, postal entries will be accepted up to Thursday morning (again subject to the 800 limit)."
Entry details in an earlier post HERE

Upcoming Race...The Cheetah Run 4 Mile Race - Thurs 19th May 2011

This unique 4 mile race in Fota Wildlife Park is coming up on Thursday the 19th of May. It has proved to be very popular in previous years and this time around, the organising club Eagle AC are imposing a limit of 800 entries.

Considering that the entry fee includes access to Fota Wildlife Park not only for the runner but for anyone who is with them then it's great value. Normal entry fees for the park are €14 for an adult, €7 for a child over 7 and €3 for the car park.

So for say a family of 2 adults and 2 kids, you can can enter online, pay €10 and get everyone in or pay €45 some other time. It's a no brainer ;o)

To cope with the huge crowds entering on the night, Eagle AC have gone for the pre-entry option this time.

Your options are :

Update : 4:45pm...Tues 17th Feb 2011....All 800 places are now filled. No more entries

4) Or if you have problems with PDF's, I have put a shortened version HERE which you can print out

5) The last 'option' is to enter on the night for €12.........and that's IF you can enter on the night. There is a steady stream of pre-entries coming in at the moment and if the 800 mark is reached, there will be NO ENTRIES on the night.


So don't assume you can just turn up on the night and enter. Pre-enter now.


The closing date for pre-entries is Tuesday 5pm on the 16th of May

Preview of the 'Cheetah Run' 4 mile road race - Thurs 20th May 2010

This will be the 2nd year of this unique race in Fota Wildlife Park in Cork. While most races take place on country roads or around towns, this is the only race in the country in a wildlife park which is a stunning backdrop.

The basics........Last year, they got 662 entrants for this race and it was pretty crowded. This resulted in large queues at the entry desks which stretched back into the car park. Considering that, you should really try and get there as early as possible. Enter early and have a wander around the park while you wait for the start. It's a unique location so you may as well arrive early and enjoy it.

1) The entry fee is €10 and part of that goes towards some renovation work in the park.
2) The race starts at 8pm with last entries at 7:40pm. Again, try and arrive a LOT earlier.
3) If you are not sure where Fota Wildlife Park is then check out the official website for directions.
4) Headphones are banned!
5) ALL entrants must be 16 years or older. This is an AAI race over an accurate 4 mile course, not a fun run.
6) Spectators can only gain access to the park if they accompany a runner with an entry number.
7) There are limited changing facilities with no showers available.

Typical width of road within the park...

The course.......Please note that it has changed slightly from last year. It still starts up by the Cheetah enclosure but this year it heads off in the opposite direction. There is section of road in the shape of a small loop where the 2.2 mile mark and the 1 mile mark meet. It is hoped that the vast majority of runners will have passed the 1 mile mark by the time the leaders of the race come around.

Other than that...the first mile should be very fast with some downhill running. The second mile starts with a slight drop, a short section on the public road outside and a bit of a pull when you re-enter the estate. The 3rd mile is flat. The 4th and final mile starts with a hill up past the bison (this was near the start last year), then it's past the giraffe and cheetah enclosures and on to the finish by the Sea Eagles.

Refreshments afterwards in the restaurant while the prize giving will be at the park entrance.

The recently arrived Howler Monkeys give their opinion 

on John Quigley's running technique...

Overall........it's a unique race in the calendar in a really nice location. The course is accurately measured but the roads within the park are narrow so congestion might be a problem especially if you are running 7-9 minute/mile pace. It's probably best to forget about PB's and enjoy the race for what it is.

More info with pictures on the Eagle AC website

Looking ahead to the race in Fota in May...

One of the more unusual local races this year will no doubt be the 4 mile race in Fota Wildlife Park in May. The fact that it is in such a nice spot and a unique location, it should appeal to a lot of runners.

The guys from Eagle AC were out measuring the course last weekend and there is now a set of photos up on the Eagle website showing the route. There is one small section that is along a piece of public road but otherwise, the rest of the course is inside the park itself. Judging from the photos, it looks like it will be a really nice race.