On Sunday 3 May 2020 at 6pm AWST, it is estimated over 200,000 runners from across the world will take on the race with no finish line in support of spinal cord research. Back in its sixth year, Wings for Life World Run will hold official events in seven Australian locations, including the flagship event which has moved to Perth and organised app runs in Melbourne, Sydney, Manly, Newcastle, Adelaide, and Brisbane. If none of these locations suit, runners can join via the mobile app no matter where they are.
Competitors from around the globe will once again run at the exact same time, regardless of their location, meaning some competitors will run at sunset, some will run at sunrise while others, like Australia, will run into the night.
Unlike a traditional race, the Wings for Life World Run finish line is mobile and behind the participants. The iconic Catcher Car starts its engine 30 minutes after the run begins, chasing down the runners one by one until the very last remains. Whether participants are looking to spend a fun evening with friends or aiming to achieve high performance, the thrill of trying to stay ahead of the Catcher Car often motivates them to achieve more than they imagined.
The run is the primary fundraiser for the Wings for Life Spinal Cord Research Foundation, and 100% of entry fees and donations go directly to important spinal cord research projects. With 211 research projects funded to date (63 ongoing in 2019 alone, including 3 right here in Australia), real progress is already happening to help the millions of people around the world living with spinal cord injury.
Registration for the Wings for Life World Run is easy, and options are flexible. Some will participate shoulder-to-shoulder with thousands at Perth’s Flagship Run, where they'll be pursued by a real Catcher Car as they run around the city’s landmarks. Others will register for an App Run to be chased by a virtual Catcher Car wherever they are.
The run is livestreamed worldwide, and the vibe is purely positive - groups in creative costumes, inspiring stories of overcoming obstacles and surprises like marriage proposals add to the joy. The 2019 edition included participants of 186 nationalities. Across 323 locations they collectively covered 1.1 million km and raised over $5.6 million AUD for research toward a cure.
There's no better time to sign up for the Wings for Life World Run 2020. To find out more and register for the race visit: www.wingsforlifeworldrun.com