The 100-day Countdown to the World’s Largest Running Event Begins!
In exactly 100 days, South Africans will get the opportunity to be in the same team as some global sporting heroes – working together toward a global goal of running for those who can’t. On May 5, 2024, top international athletes from a wide variety of sports will lead their own teams in the Wings for Life World Run charity event. Anyone can join, and the sooner you sign up, the sooner you can feel the excitement and motivation of training toward race day with a sporting hero and other teammates, all connected via the Wings for Life World Run App.
The Wings for Life World Run is the largest and most inclusive running event in the world, with a unique format that sees runners across all global locations starting simultaneously at 13:00 PM to be chased by a moving finish line called the “Catcher Car.” One hundred percent of entry fees and donations goes to research to find a cure for spinal cord injury, and the option of team participation is a popular feature.
For the 11th edition this year, athletes such as 2023 Rugby World Cup Winning Captain Siya Kolisi, trail runner Ryan Sandes, Norwegian track-and-field star Karsten Warholm, and the RB Leipzig football club and its fans have created teams to join many across the globe.
Kolisi who led the Springboks to consecutive Rugby World Cup titles in 2019 and 2023, says, “When you join the Wings for Life World Run, it’s exciting: You’re doing something that’s benefiting others, but it’s also going to benefit you, too. Just like when I prepare for a game, it gives you something you can train for. It’s an awesome challenge for yourself, to see how healthy you can be while you’re helping someone else.”
He continues, “The nice thing is that anybody can do it. You don’t have to be someone who runs every day. You don’t even have to run – you can just walk and set your own goals.”
Some teams are also offering extra-special incentives, ranging from team t-shirts to actual meet-and-greets for lucky participants. This includes one lucky member of Kolisi’s team who will receive a Springboks jersey signed by the rugby superstar himself. With 100 days to go there are thousands of Wings for Life World Run teams to join, with more being formed all the time, and athletes aren’t the only team captains. Entertainment personalities, university clubs, community-focused companies and everyday individuals have all created teams, inspired by the good cause.
Image Credit: Siya Kolisi
Craig Kolesky | Red Bull Content Pool
Numerous studies has shown that having a “running buddy” can increase motivation and performance for people of all fitness levels. And thanks to the Wings for Life World Run App, participants can run together with their favourite team no matter where they are. Kolisi himself will be participating from his current location in Paris, but he will be side-by-side with his team virtually whether they’re in France, at home in South Africa, or elsewhere.
Image credit: Ryan Sandes participated in the 2023 Wings for the Life World Run
Craig Kolesky | Red Bull Content Pool
To find and sign up for a dream team – or to create a new one – visit the Teams page of the Wings for Life World Run website (www.wingsforlifeworldrun.com/teams).
And whether running on a team or individually, be sure to register for the run itself at www.wingsforlifeworldrun.com.