Alex O’Shea “The Running Fireman”
Big Challenge Coming 2027
Firefighter. Endurance Athlete. Guinness World Record Holder.
As part of the Cork City Fire Brigade’s 150th anniversary, Alex O’Shea “The Running Fireman” is taking on his toughest challenge yet.
Returning to Cork City Marathon in 2027, Alex will run 26.2 miles in full fire gear - this time wearing and operating a breathing apparatus.
More weight. More heat. More pressure.
All in support of Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind.
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ABOUT ALEX
From shattered bones to unshakable resolve
As a child growing up in Carrigaline, Co. Cork, Alex wasn’t the fastest. He finished at the back while others took medals. At 15, he found endurance—but was denied his first marathon due to age restrictions.
Disappointed, Alex stepped away from running for a number of years. Years later, in the Navy, he returned—running along coastlines wherever his ship docked. Then everything changed.
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A catastrophic accident left him with:
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A shattered wrist
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Multiple forearm fractures
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A broken ankle
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A fractured kneecap
Doctors offered uncertain outcomes.
Alex treated recovery like a mission. Step by step. Through pain, setbacks, and PTSD. Today, he is not just recovered. He is one of Ireland’s elite endurance athletes.
Now a Cork City firefighter, husband, and father of four, Alex continues to push limits—on the road, and in service.
The Running FIreman
“The Running Fireman”
In 2014, aged 40, Alex ran his first marathon. He didn’t just finish it.
He broke the Guinness World Record for the fastest marathon in full fire gear—boots, pants, jacket, and helmet.
Time: 3hrs 41min 10sec
He took nearly an hour off the previous record.
He did it while raising funds for:
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His local playground in Ballineen
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Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind
That day, Alex became:
The Running Fireman
Whilst this achievement was huge, looking back - it was only the first step.
International Athlete
INTERNATIONAL ATHLETE
Alex represented Ireland for the first time at the age of 42.
He went on to represent Ireland on five occasions - including competing on his 49th birthday.
He has competed at European and World Championships across both 100km and 24-hour endurance events.
By 49, he had represented his country five times across:
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100km events
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24-hour endurance races
He has competed in:
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Spain
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Ireland
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France
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Romania
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Italy
Highlights:
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100km: 7th (European Championships – age category)
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100km: 11th (World Championships – age category)
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24hr: Competed alongside world record holders
The Big Announcement
2027: THE BIG ANNOUNCEMENT
Cork City Fire Brigade’s 150th anniversary. Alex is stepping back onto the start line. But this isn’t a repeat. He will run the Cork City Marathon in full fire kit with breathing apparatus.
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300-bar cylinder
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Rigid harness
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Full face mask
The reality:
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Extreme heat stress
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Limited airflow
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Heavy load
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~13 cylinder changes
Every stop breaks momentum. The clock doesn’t stop.
“Time is the enemy… you want an even pace, not stop-start.”
This is no longer just endurance.
This is controlled survival over 26.2 miles.
National & International Endurance Athlete
A record-breaking journey driven by discipline, endurance, and resilience—showcasing Alex’s commitment to pushing limits and inspiring others through every challenge.
ELITE ENDURANCE ATHLETE
Achievements to date:
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Proud husband and father of four
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Guinness World Record holder
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Broke national 6-hour record
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National medals in:
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Marathon
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50km
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100km
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24hr
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Represented Ireland five times
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1st Irishman to win Barry 40-mile race (Wales)
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4th place – Lake Baikal Ice Marathon (Siberia)
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1st Irishman to win BTU Ice Ultra (Swedish Arctic)
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Won Tralee 100km (all three attempts)
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Spartathlon finisher (twice)
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Arctic Spine Race – self-rescue after falling through frozen lake
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Marathon pacer:
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Cork
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London
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Waterford
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Wexford
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Longford
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32 marathons in 32 counties in 15.5 days
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West Cork Sports Star Award nominee
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Bandon Opinion Community Awards recognition
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Civic Reception at Cork City Hall
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CHARITY ADVOCATE
Alex has used endurance to drive impact.
From world records to extreme challenges, his focus remains the same:
Raise funds and awareness for Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind.
Key efforts:
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Guinness World Record fundraising
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32 marathons across Ireland
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COVID virtual event:
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A digital journey tracking a puppy named Rover around the world
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As a firefighter, Alex often operates in smoke-filled environments—navigating without sight.
That reality connects deeply to the mission.
He has met individuals whose lives were transformed by guide dogs:
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Restored confidence
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Independence
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Freedom of movement
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MOTIVATIONAL SPEAKER
Beyond buzzwords. Real-world execution.
Alex O’Shea:
Navy Veteran (11 Years) | Firefighter (20+
Years) | Elite Endurance Athlete
He speaks on:
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Survival mindset
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Overcoming adversity
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Goal execution
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High performance under pressure
“Preparation breeds success. Failure doesn’t have to be the end—it can be the beginning.”
Tailored Sessions
For Students (TY):
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Managing pressure
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Goal mapping
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Discipline systems
For Corporate Teams:
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Decision-making under pressure
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Team resilience
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Avoiding burnout
By the Numbers:
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32 marathons in 16 days
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-40°C Arctic survival
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20+ years on the fire line
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100% proceeds support Irish Guide Dogs
PRESS RELEASE
“The Running Fireman” Alex O’Shea Ignites a New World Record Attempt
CORK, IRELAND – To mark the 150th anniversary of Cork City Fire Brigade in 2027, firefighter and elite endurance athlete Alex O’Shea has announced his most grueling challenge yet.
Returning to the Cork City Marathon, he will attempt a new Guinness World Record.
This time, running 26.2 miles in full fire kit while breathing through a functional SCBA system:
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300 bar cylinder
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Rigid harness
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Enclosed face mask
A challenge defined by:
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Extreme heat retention
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Significant added weight
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Forced stoppages for cylinder changes
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Continuous time pressure
JOIN THE MOVEMENT
Make 2027 the year you conquer the marathon.
Join Alex and run:
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Cork City Marathon in support of Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind.
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Be part of the exclusive 150 Club.
In support of Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind.
What you get:
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Dedicated WhatsApp group
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Expert guidance and coaching
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Guest speakers and webinars
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Social runs along parts of the Cork Marathon route
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Fundraising support (€300 goal)
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T-shirt and goodie bag
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Spot prizes
Whether first-timer or experienced runner:
Run with others. For others.
Team Irish Guide Dogs
Run the distance so they can see the world through four paws.
BECOME A CORPORATE SPONSOR
More than sponsorship. Alignment.
Support Alex O’Shea’s journey and contribute to Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind.
Why partner:
High Visibility
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National press
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Social media
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Event exposure
CSR Impact
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Direct contribution to charity
Authentic Story
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Firefighter
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Navy veteran
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World-class endurance athlete
From hospital recovery to global competition—this is a narrative that resonates.
MEET OUR SPONSORS
Moments from the Mission
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