On Sunday May 4 2014 at 11am, thousands of runners across the globe will set off in varying light and weather conditions to take part in the first ever Wings For Life World Run. The groundbreaking race format will unite runners of all abilities to compete simultaneously in 35 different locations spanning six continents until just one competitor remains.
The UK event will take place at Silverstone Circuit, one of the world’s most iconic motorsport venues with 100% of World Run proceeds going to the charity Wings for Life, which funds world-class research aimed at finding a cure for spinal cord injury.
Unlike existing running events this unique race does not feature a static finish line; instead competitors will be chased by an official World Run catcher car. 30 minutes after the race starts the catcher car will advance towards runners at a set pace, gradually accelerating over time and eliminating them one by one. Once a catcher car overtakes a runner their race is over and this will continue until it has caught up with the last remaining competitor. There will be male and female champions crowned at each location but ultimately there can only be two Global champions – the last man and woman left running in the world.
Silverstone will welcome more than 5,000 runners for the race. Those who make it around the circuit without being caught will head into the beautiful surrounding English countryside as they attempt to outrun the catcher car.
Former athlete Colin Jackson has been announced as a global ambassador for the Wings For Life World Run and will take part in the race. Also running will be Jodie Kidd, international rugby player Max Evans and his brother Thom Evans who suffered a spinal cord injury aged 24, which ended his rugby career.
Thom Evans said, “When you grow up playing rugby like Max and I, you see your fair share of injuries but you never imagine anything serious will happen to you. My injury cost me the ability to play my favourite sport, but for millions of others it costs them a lot more. The Wings for Life World Run is about breaking new boundaries. It encourages people to surpass their own personal goals whilst driving forward medical research to help those who live with paralysis every day of their lives”.
Jodie Kidd said, “For horse-lovers and motorsports enthusiasts like me, spinal injury is something you’re always aware of. But when a friend of mine was affected by a spinal cord injury, I saw just how utterly life-changing it can be. We urgently need to advance medical treatment and it’s events like the Wings for Life World Run that will help those suffering from debilitating spinal injuries to lead a fuller life. I hope as many runners as possible join us in May next year so that we can really make a difference”.
Those wanting to take part in the Silverstone race have until midnight (GMT) on Sunday, April 20 to register at www.wingsforlifeworldrun.com . The entry fee is £40 and all money taken will be given in full to the Wings For Life Spinal Cord Research Foundation.
Wings For Life is a charity dedicated to finding a cure for spinal cord injuries. As a non-profit organisation, Wings For Life relies on support and donations to help fund vital new research projects across the globe.