The 10km Wings for Life World Run takes place on Sunday at Nad Al Sheba Cycle Park in Dubai, and there’s still time to sign up for this unique event before registration closes on Saturday.
The Wings for Life World Run is an entirely new type of event. Encompassing 35 locations across the world, in which everyone runs at the very same time, it is a truly global adventure.
While it is only a 10km race, by running this year, you will be actively contributing in making a full run in Dubai a reality in the future, with 100 per cent of the proceeds going to the Wings For Life Foundation, which funds research into spinal cord injuries.
The run is organised by Chris Khouri, who was left paralysed from the chest down following a motorcycle accident in 2009, and he explained why he wanted to arrange a run in the UAE.
“When I heard about this run, my first question to myself was why was this run not being held in the UAE,” said Khouri. “Very spontaneously, I contacted the sporting community groups (in UAE) and see whether people would be willing to organise our own version of the run and see if there would be any interest in organising a 10km run.
“Within 24 hours of promoting the run on Twitter and Facebook, I had over 100 responses saying ‘yes we will absolutely take part in it’.
“I work for Cisco, and it happens to be one of the main sponsors for the Wings for Life World Run, and through them I came in touch with the Wings for Life Foundation – which has been founded by Red Bull. I told them that I’m planning a race with all benefits for the organisation and they gave me a lot of support. Thanks to them, Red Bull Middle East has been instrumental in supporting this event.”
The run begins at 6:00pm with the format being described as a unique running experience.
“A car chases the runners and every 15 minutes it increases its speed. Every time the car overtakes the runner, they will have to stop running. Whoever outruns the car the furthest wins the race,” said Khouri.
“The reason is that it’s at that time (18:00) we are running when the rest of the world is also running. We will be part of the global movement that will have more than 150,000 runners.”
With the run open to people aged 10 and over, Khouri explains why it’s worth taking part on Sunday.
“It’s a fun run. It’s not a competitive run. It’s a run for the family, It’s a run that will challenge themselves,” he said. “Yes it will be hard and yes you will be suffering. You will be in pain but it’s always worth remembering that you’re not the only one who is suffering. And do you want to give up, given that there are guys who can’t even run?
“It’s about the raising the awareness of disability among our society and the importance of an active lifestyle. There is no excuse for not having an active lifestyle and no excuse for giving up.”
Besides the run, there will be raffle prizes, a DJ station and food and beverage stalls at the venue. Entry fees vary from Dh50 to Dh500.
What: 10km Wings for Life World Run
Where: Nad Al Sheba Cycle Park, Dubai
When: Sunday, May 4 at 18:00
Contact: Register at www.premieronline.com (closes on Saturday, May 3)
