5 reasons why the Wings for Life World Run is unique
The 2016 Wings for Life World Run is just under 24 hours away and the excitement for the event is building up to its crescendo. With all the runners preparing in earnest for the run, we take a look at 5 reasons why the event is very unique:
1) The finishing line catches you, not otherwise
The Wings for Life run has a very unique concept, wherein there does not exist an actual finishing line. All the runners are racing each other, and the Catcher Car, a term used only in the Wings for Life run.
The catcher car starts 30 minutes after the race begins in each location, and will look to overtake the runners. As long as one stays in front of the catcher car, they are active and still participating in the race.
2) The only run in the world that starts at the same time
The run is known for being one that challenges runners, and the fact that it starts at all locations across the world at the same time, 11 am UTC. This is unique, as that means that all the participants will be running together, but in different countries, which makes it a very interesting format.
3) A long-distance run that involves multiple geographic locations
The Wings for Life World Run is also very unique in that the run happens in 40 countries across six continents, making it something that no other run in the world can boast of. The race involves participants across the world run in different conditions and diverse terrains, making it testing at multiple levels for runners.
4) Ahmedabad in India to be hottest venue
The Indian leg of the Wings for Life World Run will be the hottest venue this year, with Ahmedabad set to be having a temperature of about 42°C on the 8th of May, the day of the run. The conditions are expected to be taxing and will test the runners to the maximum, and the participants will be in for a proper intensive run when they participate.
5) Run focused on funding spinal cord research
The Wings for Life World Run is dedicated to funding spinal cord research, with the ultimate aim of the Wings for Life charity being making spinal cord injury curable. Spinal cord injuries are very debilitating and hinder the individual suffering tremendously. The run aims to help raise funds in order to improve spinal cord research.
All the entry fees and proceeds from the run go to the Wings for Life charity, as part of their initiative to fund spinal cord research.