Running
There's still time to register for the Wings for Life World Run on May 9, where you can join over 120,000 others around the world who are running for those who can't via the app.
This Sunday is shaping up to be a record-setting day, as more than 120,000 runners and wheelchair users from 134 nations hit the start line in the Wings for Life World Run. There's never before been a running event with so many participants, and 100 percent of all entry fees and donations will go to spinal cord research.
The run kicks off simultaneously around the world at 11am UTC on Sunday, May 9 and wherever you are, you can join in by registering right up until 30 minutes before the start time.
"The things that come together to make the atmosphere and my memories of a race special are the location, the fans and my personal goal," says South African ultrarunner Ryan Sandes, who'll be running with the Wings for Life World Run App for the first time. "What makes the Wings for Life World Run so special for me is that I'll actually be running with thousands of people around the world that I probably would never get to run with otherwise – that's what I'm looking forward to most."
Even in a time when so many sporting events have been cancelled, everybody can be a part of the Wings for Life World Run. As usual, this year's race will include everyone from first-time runners to ultra-distance specialists. The unique format makes it possible for participants with completely different levels of training and fitness to all take part together.
30 minutes after the simultaneous start, a rolling finish known as the virtual Catcher Car begins pursuit, gradually picking up speed to pass participants one at time until the winners are determined. Besides the good cause, another beauty of this race is that while the top runners may outpace the Catcher Car for up to four and a half hours, you aim for your own target distance, and whether you reach it or not you're sure to be a finisher.
No matter how far you go, you'll be kept informed, motivated and entertained along the way by the app's new Audio Experience, which features the voices of well-known sports and entertainment personalities to inspire you. Also, family and friends – who in years past would cheer you from the sidelines – can still provide you with a boost during Sunday's virtual event thanks to an option that lets them donate for each kilometer or mile you complete.
Find out more about what Wings For Life World Run participants have been running for in the film below:
"I'm overwhelmed by the worldwide response. Knowing that thousands and thousands of people will be on the starting line together on Sunday for our foundation is a feeling that's hard to put into words. It's honestly giving me goosebumps," says Anita Gerhardter, CEO of the charity foundation Wings for Life. "We have a major goal: we want to cure spinal cord injury. It makes me incredibly proud that so many people support us in this endeavour."
Since 2014, the Wings for Life World Run community has been running together for those who can't. In total, the seven editions completed so far drew 700,000 registered participants from 195 nations, who covered seven million kilometers and raised almost €30,000,000 for Wings for Life. As always, 100 percent of this year's donations and entry fees will go to research towards finding a cure for spinal cord injury.
Complete information about this year's run and registration is available at www.wingsforlifeworldrun.com.