Wings For Life World Run

FOR THE SECOND YEAR, ALL THE WORLD RUNS FOR THOSE WHO CAN’T
Local personalities challenge South Africans to join a global adventure in aid of curing spinal injury

On 3 May 2015 in Franschhoek, Western Cape, South Africans of all ages and abilities, as well as a host of local personalities, will join the world for the Wings For Life World Run – running one race for those who can’t.

Giniel de Villiers (Dakar 2015 2^nd place finisher), Gugu Zulu (rally champion), James Dalton (Springbok rugby player), Pieter du Preez (C6 quadriplegic super-athlete and Ironman), Ryan Sandes (ultra trail runner), Vanessa Haywood and Hlubi Mboya (actresses and distance cycling enthusiasts) make up an eager squad of ambassadors challenging South Africans to join a global adventure, and get running.

One hundred percent of entry fees go to the Wings for Life Foundation, a non-profit organisation that funds research and clinical trials to find a cure for traumatic spinal cord injury.

The Wings For Life World Run is the only race in the world that has no finish line, catering to participants of any running ability. Instead, a ‘catcher car’ chases down runners, ending their race as the car overtakes them. This allows each runner to set his or her own finish goal for the event. One could run as little as 5kms or, if quick enough to stay ahead of the catcher car for long enough, 50+ kms.

Uniting runners in 35 locations on five continents, the Wings For Life World Run is also the only race that is run simultaneously wherever it is held. Starter guns fire at precisely the same time worldwide, setting off participants in darkness and daylight, in rain, snow and sunshine. The very last runner to outlast the catcher cars, wherever where they are, is World Champion.

Locally, the Wings For Life World Run is proudly supported by two influential South African organisations, both firmly believing that finding a cure for spinal cord injury would significantly improve the lives of thousands of our citizens. The QuadPara Association of South Africa and the Chris Burger Petro Jackson Player’s Fund play an integral role in increasing spinal cord injury awareness in South Africa, and advocating for the care of those affected with injuries, as well as their families.

Call to entry

All South Africans, whether professional racers or exercise enthusiasts, are challenged to enter the 2015Wings For Life World Run. This year, wheelchair participants can take part and team entries have been introduced so that groups of friends, relatives and colleagues can race together.

South Africa’s Wings For Life World Run begins at 13:00 SAST on Sunday, 3 May 2014, at Boschendal Wine Estate in Franschhoek, Western Cape.

For more details and to register, please visit www.wingsforlifeworldrun.com/capetown. Entry to the South African leg of the Wings For Life World Run costs R250, with 100% of entrance fees going to the Wings for Life Foundation. Entries close on 26 April 2015.

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