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South Africans only have a few more days to register for this year’s Wings for Life World Run and join participants around the world who are running for those who can’t.
This one-of-a-kind global adventure takes place in 34 international locations at exactly the same time on Sunday, 8 May 2016, with the South African race taking place at SuperSport Park in Centurion at 13h00 local time.
Registration for the event closes on Wednesday, 4 May at 13h00.
Local participants start and race simultaneously with people from all over the world, all running in varying light and weather conditions for one cause – to find a cure for spinal cord injury. The Wings For Life World Run is the world’s only race that has no finish line. Instead, a catcher car chases down participants, ending their races once the car overtakes them. This allows everyone to set their own goal for the event – some will run as little as 5km, others will aim for the World Champion crown.
Absolutely 100% of all entry fees globally go to the Wings For Life Foundation, which funds numerous research projects determined to improve treatment for spinal cord injuries and ultimately, find a cure.
Dries Millard, a pioneer of adaptive surfing in South Africa and the only internationally-accredited surf coach with a disability, is a Wings for Life World Run Ambassador this year. He urged both able-bodied and wheelchair participants to join him at this year’s event.
SPICE4LIFE recently had the chance to interview Dries on his inspiring life story.
“The Wings For Life World Run is unlike any other running event in the world and I can’t wait to race with my fellow South Africans,” he said. “The fact that I can do so despite being in a wheelchair is really special.”
“I have come to accept my spinal injury but I am still waiting for a cure, which I believe is possible thanks to research that is happening because of the Wings For Life World Run. I dream of feeling the wash of the icy Atlantic on my feet as I get into the sea again.”
All the important entry information
· Date: Sunday 8 May 2016
· Time: Starter gun goes at 13h00 local time
· Venue: SuperSport Park, 283 West Ave & South Street, Centurion
· Entry fee: R250 – 100 percent of which goes to spinal cord research
· Official social hashtags: #Wingsforlife #WorldRun.
· Entries close: Wednesday, 4 May 2016 at 13h00
To enter as an individual
1. Don’t worry. You’re not really running alone, there are thousands of participants all around the world.
2. Register for the South African event at http://www.wingsforlifeworldrun.com/za/en/pretoria/.
3. Boast about your entry on your favourite social media platform including #Wingsforlife #WorldRun.
4. Set your distance goal and start training. Or show up on the day and run for as long you’re able. Either way, you’re bringing the world one step closer to a cure for spinal cord injury.
To enter a team
1. Assemble your team of friends, work buddies, neighbours, relatives, fellow book clubbers or mums’ groupers. This is also perfect for running clubs and corporate teams.
2. Pick a fun team name and creative running costume.
3. Register your team at https://teams.wingsforlifeworldrun.com/za/en.
4. Boast about your entry on your favourite social media platform including #WingsforLife #WorldRun.
5. Set a team goal and gather for regular training sessions, or just show up on the day with a costume and a lot of team spirit. Either way, you’re bringing the world one step closer to a cure for spinal cord injury.
6. Take pics of your training and race for social media, company newsletter or family Christmas card.
7. Check back at https://teams.wingsforlifeworldrun.com/za/en after the event for your team ranking, which shows who ran furthest in your team, the team’s combined kilometres and the team’s average kilometres.