This weekend it’s one of the most innovative – and one of our favourite – events in the calendar – it’s the Wings for Life World Run. Tens of thousands will run on May 5, 2019 – all at the same time – to find a cure for spinal cord injury.
What is the Wings For Life World Run?
On one day each year the Wings for Life World Run is held simultaneously in numerous locations and via the App across the world, everyone starting at the same time, whether day or night, and all with the same goal – to raise money for the Wings for Life Foundation. Under its unique format, participants run as far as they can until they are passed by a moving finish line, the ‘Catcher Car’, which chases runners along the course or virtual in the App, gradually getting faster until each participant has been caught. This moving finish line allows participants of any ability to complete the run – the slower ones are passed early while ultrarunners can go on for hours.
Why is it such a good event to be part of?
Well firstly 100% of entry fees and donations goes toward helping to find a cure for spinal cord injury. In the five editions since it was launched in 2014, the World Run has attracted more than 500,000 people from 193 nationalities to participate in more than 66 countries across all seven continents.
Secondly, it’s just such a great format. You can watch the race unfold through the day, willing on your home country. And when you’re actually getting caught by the car it gives you a big injection of pace!
Thirdly, it’s such an inclusive event. Runners and wheelchair racers take part side by side and everybody goes at their own pace for their own personal challenge.
How can you take part?
In the UK you can either take part in one of the organised WFL app runs at Chiswick, Cambridge, Lambourn, Bristol, Birmingham, Sheffield or Preston. Entry costs £18. Once you’ve signed up for the event, you will receive your personal race number via email and it’s also available next to your starting number on the website a couple of days before the race. To get involved in one of the official App Runs, download the Wings for Life World Run App and select your running location. When you are registered the App will start automatically on the event day, so it’s best to have a fully charged phone!
If you can’t make it to an organised app run, you can just download the app and run on your own. You’ll be chased by a virtual Catcher Car, at the same time as all Wings for Life World Runners across the globe. You can set out your own course when running individually with the app and be part of the event.
Find out more and register at www.wingsforlifeworldrun.com
