Wings for Life World Run

Wingsforlife munich

Wings for Life World Run is an annual global running and wheelchair event organized by the Wings for Life foundation, which aims to raise funds for spinal cord injury research. The event is unique in its format, as it does not have a fixed finish line. Instead, participants are chased by a "Catcher Car," which gradually increases its speed and eliminates runners as it passes them. The last man and woman running are declared the winners. The race takes place simultaneously in various locations around the world, allowing people from different countries to participate at the same time.

History

The Wings for Life World Run was first held in 2014, with the goal of funding research to find a cure for spinal cord injury. The event was created by the Wings for Life foundation, which was founded by two-time motocross world champion Heinz Kinigadner and the CEO of Red Bull, Dietrich Mateschitz. Since its inception, the race has grown in popularity, attracting thousands of participants globally each year.

Format

The race begins simultaneously in all participating countries at the same local time. Runners and wheelchair participants start together, and 30 minutes after the race starts, the Catcher Car begins its pursuit. The car speeds up at predetermined intervals, and once it passes a runner, their race is over. This continues until there is only one male and one female runner left worldwide, who are then declared the global champions.

Participation

Participants can join the event in two ways: by registering for an official event location or by participating remotely using the Wings for Life World Run App. This inclusivity allows people from countries without an official race location to participate. The event attracts a wide range of participants, from professional athletes to casual runners, all united by the common cause of supporting spinal cord injury research.

Impact

The Wings for Life World Run has made a significant impact since its inception, raising millions of dollars for spinal cord research. All entry fees and donations go directly to the Wings for Life foundation, which funds scientific research and clinical trials worldwide aimed at healing the injured spinal cord.

See Also

• Marathon
• Ultramarathon
• Charity run
• Spinal cord injury