Running
Wings for Life World Run: What You Need to Know
The global event to raise funds for spinal cord injury happens May 7! Here’s where to watch, how to take part and much more.
Runners on every continent (even Antarctica) are preparing to take on one of the running world’s most unique challenges: Wings for Life World Run. Watch Red Bull TV's BULLETPOINTS special on it below.
Here’s everything you need to know for race day, whether you’re a spectator, an amateur or a pro.
Start time
At 11:00 a.m. UTC (4:00 a.m. in Santa Clarita, California, and 7:00 a.m. in Sunrise, Florida) runners across the globe will set off.
Half an hour later, it’s the Catcher Car'sturn to get going. Every competitor will be hoping to stay ahead of the car for as long as possible. Once the Catcher Car overtakes you, you’ve reached your own finish line.
2 min
Wings for Life 2017 World Run teaser
Wings for Life 2017 World Run teaser
How to get involved
There are three ways to take part. Thousands have signed up to one of the official events — entry is now closed, sorry! — to run alongside the others in countries including Taiwan, the US, Germany, Austria, Chile, Norway, the UK and many more.
If you didn't sign up in time for those, you can still take part! The Wings for Life World Run App allows participants to race anywhere in the world, thanks to its digital Catcher Car, which will increase in speed at the same rate the real-life ones do, giving users the thrill of being chased and the motivation to go faster.
With the app, you can either go it alone or head to one of the Organized App Runs taking place in a variety of amazing locations around the world.
2 min
All the action from Wings for Life World Run 2016
Watch the action unfold of the 2016 Wings for Life World Run
Why do it?
There’s no doubt this Sunday will be a great day out, whether you’re beating your personal best, taking part in your first run or watching the professionals push themselves to the limit.
It’s not just your health that will benefit though.
Every single one of the participants will be running for those who can’t, with 100 percent of their entry fees and any money raised going directly to fund spinal cord injury research.
“The aim is to raise funds for the treatment of spinal cord injury, ultimately to make spinal cord injury curable,” says Colin Jackson, an Olympic medallist from the UK, who broke world records in the 110m and 60m hurdles and is the Sports Director of Wings for Life World Run.
Last year, over 779,000 miles were run and a staggering €6.6 million was raised for Wings for Life’s single goal. This year the target is set even higher.
“It’s an incredible investment," says Jackson, "The scientists working on this say to me that one day, we shall find a cure.”
2 min
Wings for Life World Run: Joachim runs for his son
Joachim, Isak’s father, takes us on a journey from despair to hope and inspiration.
Where to watch it
Tens of thousands of runners and wheelchair participants competing in unison across the world is sure to be quite a spectacle.
This is no jolly for the pros though, some of the best distance runners in the world are going to be on the road. Three of them will be in Milan alone, including last year’s Wings for Life World Run Global Champion Giorgio Calcaterra, who's competing on his home turf.
Thanks to the run’s simultaneous format, the runners in Milan won’t be the only ones capable of taking Calcaterra’s crown — he’ll be fighting against people worldwide.
Last year, he set a new run record by covering 54.95 miles in Italy, while second place went to Kaori Yoshida who was running all the way over in Takashima, Japan.
“It is exciting, running for a cause as important as spinal cord research. My greatest desire is to restore hope to those who now rely on a wheelchair,” says Calcaterra.
“Together we can make a difference.”
Follow the action on the global live stream or tune in to the radio play-by-play at WingsForLifeWorldRun.com to see if Calcaterra can keep his crown.
You can also watch everything on Red Bull TV on May 7 from 6:00 a.m. ET.
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How can I donate?
Whether you manage to catch a sight of the Wings for Life World Run or not, you can still download the app or simply donate now to join the fight against spinal cord injury.
Individual fundraising pages can also be found on the Wings for Life World Run website.
Every contribution makes a difference.
Wings for Life World Run takes place at the same exact time all around the world on Sunday, May 7, and all the action will be shown live on Red Bull TV.
For more information, including how to take part, visit WingsForLifeWorldRun.com.