Race to the top: Cork firefighter launches unique County Hall fundraiser

A record-breaking Cork firefighter is urging people to dig out their running or walking gear for Ireland’s first-ever Tower Run up one of the country’s tallest buildings.

Sub-officer Niall Ó Crualaoich, 51, from Mayfield, is no stranger to endurance events, once holding the Guinness World Record time for running a full marathon in firefighting gear.

He did that feat in a time of 4:45:30 in the Cork City marathon.

Now he is asking the public to join him in a unique event — a race to the top of Cork County Hall on August 30, to raise funds for Cork University Hospital (CUH).

“This is the first fundraiser of its kind in Ireland, North or South,” he said.

“The plan is to get 100 people signed up; any more we lose the personal nature of it, too few and you don’t have the atmosphere.

“It’s going to tax people, especially if you want to run it, but it’s still achievable for everyone.”

Participants can run or walk up the 67m structure, totalling 17 storeys (334 steps), and get a breather by taking the lift back down.

People can sign up here.

They can also raise additional money by setting up their own fundraising pages or donating at www.idonate.ie/fundraiser/corktowerrun.

“This is part of a multi-year plan. There is so much to do for CUH Charity and this is hopefully going to do a lot of good over the next few years,” said Niall.

“Hopefully, it makes life a little easier for people who need it at CUH.”

Niall, a father of three who will be assisted by fellow firefighter Caomh McAuley and other colleagues, will be the last one to take on the steps, dressed, as he was in his successful World Record bid in 2010, in full firefighter attire.