Anyone who’s run a race or a marathon before will know the excruciating feeling - ‘when will this end?’ Well, now there is a race you don’t have to struggle desperately to reach the finish line in…the finish line comes to you! And what’s more, is that it’s all for an amazing cause.
Started in 2014, The Wings for Life World Run is an annual global charity race where participants run for those who can’t. Anyone can take part with a super easy sign-up and 100 per cent of the €20 entry fee goes to the not-for-profit organization Wings for Life.
They are currently taking sign-ups for their 2023 app run which takes place on May the 7th and kicks off at 12 pm Irish time, in aid of the Wings for Life charity - a spinal cord research foundation with one big goal: find a cure for spinal cord injury. Thousands of participants from across the globe will connect through Wings for Life, working together for one shared goal.
The Wings for Life World Run has been running since 2014 and saw over 165,000 runners and wheelchair users from 165 nations taking part in 2022, which is vitally important for the foundation. Over half of spinal injuries are caused by traffic accidents or falls and can really happen to anyone. Wings for Life has been working since 2004 on research projects and clinical studies around the world to better understand and find a cure for these extremely debilitating injuries.
So how do I get involved? Well after you register for the event by downloading the app (IOS / Android) or by visiting WingsForLifeWorldRun.com, you are good to go and begin running at 12 pm on May 7th with thousands of runners from all around the world, with a virtual in-app Catcher Car starting 30 minutes later in hot pursuit.
Participants are kept informed through the interactive GPS system on the app. The catcher car gradually increases in speed, getting faster and faster, but once it passes you, you’re done! You’ve finished the race and can celebrate your amazing achievement.
It couldn't be simpler to participate or to sign up. All you have to do is download the WFLWR app to your phone and register your details. You will then reach the Sign-Up page, select “Sign up now” followed by “Run Wherever You Want. Then just pay the €20 entry fee which goes straight to the Wings for Life Foundation.
Then you are good to go! Just be sure to be ready to start with the app open at 12 pm and headphones connected to avail of the interactive experience throughout. To help runners prepare ahead of the event, they have also created a training programme that can be found here.
The race format is a fun and unique way to get those miles in for the non-profit while also being a part of the thousands of participants worldwide. It is designed for both beginners and elite runners and everyone in between. So, what are you waiting for!!??
Full details can be found on the Wings for Life website which has all the information you need from sign-up details to locations and even a goal calculator to help you get the most out of your Wings for Life Run. So, get those running shoes on and sign-ups filled out to join the thousands of others from every corner of the globe running for an incredible cause!
Conor Paterson