Events & Challenges
Events & Challenges
There are so many ways to support Childhood Cancer Ireland and to help us reach more families impacted by childhood cancer.
Maybe it’s a coffee morning, cake sale, table quiz or concert – whatever you have in mind, we are here to help you make it happen!
We can guide you through the process and advise on how to set up your online fundraising page to get started. We can also provide t-shirts and other materials to help you!
Events & Challenges
Mountain to Climb Hiking Challenge
Join us as we come together to take on two inspiring routes – Fairy Castle & Three Rock in the Dublin Mountains and Claragh Loop in Cork – all to raise funds to help us support families affected by childhood cancer, every step of the way.
Every hill we climb represents the strength, determination and courage shown by children facing cancer and the families who walk beside them.
This event is about challenge, connection and community – pushing ourselves physically while standing in solidarity with those who face far greater climbs and raising vital funds.
From the sweeping views over Dublin City, Dublin Bay and the Wicklow Mountains to the woodland trails and open countryside of north Cork, both routes offer a rewarding challenge and a powerful sense of achievement.
Climb for Childhood Cancer
Leinster: April 25th 2026
Fairy Castle and Three Rock
This rewarding loop from The Gap climbs steadily onto the open slopes of the Dublin Mountains, linking the iconic granite tors of Three Rock with the summit of Fairy Castle, the highest point in the range. The route combines forest tracks, open mountain trails and wide panoramic views over Dublin City, Dublin Bay and the Wicklow Mountains, making it one of the most popular upland walks close to the city.
Key Details
- Distance: approximately 8 km
- Elevation: approximately 300 m
- Typical duration: around 3 hours, at a steady pace with short stops
- Difficulty: moderate, with steady climbs
- Start point: The Gap Adventure Park €2 parking fee. Toilets available.
Munster: May 9th 2026
Claragh Loop (Millstreet, County Cork)
The Claragh Loop is a scenic circular walk starting and ending in Millstreet that winds through woodland, open countryside and up the slopes around Claragh Mountain. It is a moderately challenging trail that rewards walkers with varied landscapes and attractive views over north Cork, with an optional detour to the summit if you want a bit more climb and panorama.
Key Details
- Distance: about 10.8 km
- Elevation: approximately 400 to 430 m
- Typical duration: around 3 hours, allowing for steady walking and short stops
- Difficulty: moderate
What you’ll need
- Rainwear – jacket & trousers
- Sturdy footwear – road runners are not suitable
- Warm clothing – no jeans
- Hat & gloves
- Snacks and water
- Backpack to carry the above
Fundraising target
- Registration fee: €50
- Fundraising target: €300
Once you sign up, you’ll be directed to set up your online fundraising page so you can get started!
Hell & Back
June 6th 2026
Brace yourself, because this June, HELL & BACK is unleashing a brand-new lineup of heart-pounding obstacles designed to surprise and thrill like never before!
Set in the stunning Killruddery Estate, the course combines brutal man-made obstacles with Killruddery’s rugged natural terrain – featuring lakes, mountains, bogs and forests – for a challenge unlike any other! Tackle some of Hell & Back’s most infamous obstacles, including Splash Zone, Hell on Earth, Heartbreak Ridge and Valley of Pain, as seen on Ireland’s Fittest Family TV Show!
This epic event takes place on Saturday 6th June. Get ready to face an 8km adrenaline-fuelled course that will test your strength, resilience and teamwork!
Join on your own or in a group – either way you will join Team Childhood Cancer Ireland on the day.
VHI Women’s Mini Marathon
May 31st 2026
Join our team and help raise funds for children and young people with cancer! Once you’ve secured your place contact us and we’ll send you a fundraising pack.
Irish Life Dublin Marathon
October 25th 2026
With its iconic route past Dublin’s most famous landmarks, a relatively flat course and optimum running temperatures, the Irish Life Dublin Marathon is unmissable. Known as the friendliest marathon, thousands of spectators take to the streets to cheer you on and show the power of support.
It’s the only marathon to traverse Dublin city centre – join over 22,000 runners in 2026 and make your miles mean more. The ballot is now complete, but you can still be part of this unmissable event. Plus, all charity runners get access to the exclusive realbuzz finisher party for free!
International Marathons
Choose from a huge range of international marathons and half marathons with realbuzz. Choose your event and pay a refundable holding deposit to reserve your place and start fundraising!
Corporate events
Survival challenge
The Location: County of your choosing
The Date: April to October
The Mission: Survive in the wilderness
10-30 participants
The event kicks off on day 1 at lunch time with intensive survival training sessions. Teams will learn about navigation, shelter building, food and much much more.
The Challenges: After our training sessions we progress to high camp where all our skills are put to the test.
That evening, the teams will construct their shelters and cook on woodstoves and look after themselves under the watchful eye of our team of expert guides.
Participants will need to bring lunch for day 1, a sleeping bag, outdoor clothing, ground mat, backpack and eating utensils.
Carry a Bead
If you’re taking part in a personal challenge like a marathon or other physical challenge this year, you can make it even more special by taking part in the Carry a Bead Programme and supporting a child on the Beads of Courage® Programme.
You will receive two beads to bring with you on your challenge (they can easily be tied to your laces). At the end, you keep one bead, and the other is given to a child undergoing treatment for cancer.
