The charitable run aims to raise donations that go towards researching treatments and cures for spinal cord injuries. Participants can do their part by lacing up their trainers and running in the third edition of the event, set for Dubai Autodrome at May 7.
Dubai is representing the Middle East as the only host city in the region, while runners across 23 other countries will hit the track at the same time to raise money for the international not-for-profit spinal cord research foundation Wings For Life Foundation.
Whether you’re a seasoned runner or a beginner, everyone is encouraged to come out for a worthy cause.
Unlike other races, there is no finish line in the event, but rather a ‘moving finish line’. Runners and wheelchair competitors in the unique format must stay head of the Catcher Car, which will leave the starting line 30 minutes after the whistle and drive at a steady pace. The last man and woman to get caught will earn the honour of Global Champions.
In last year’s event, records were broken for both genders globally, with Japan’s Kaori Yoshida running 65.78 kilometres, while Italy’s Giorgio Calcaterra became the first person to break the 80km mark by impressively lasting 88.44km.
In Dubai, the men were paced by Portuguese runner Helder Santos, who reached 54.34km, while Columbian Carolina Gutierrez was the winner for the women with a distance of 21.52km.
Since beginning in 2014, Wings for Life World Run has raised ¤13.8 million (Dh54.95m) and 2016 brought together 130,732 registered runners in 34 locations across 12 time zones.
Several athletes have backed the charity run, including British Olympian Colin Jackson and Formula One’s David Coulthard, Max Verstappen and Carlos Sainz.
Register for the Wings For Life World Run through www.wingsforlifeworldrun.com, with 100 per cent of the Dh195 entry fee going towards the foundation.
Run to support spinal cord research and enjoy a day of fitness as you test yourself against the Catcher Car in the Wings For Life World Run.
