The 2024 Wings for Life World Run (WFLWR) took place yesterday, Sunday 5 May, with participants across the globe gathering to “run for those who can’t” in a fundraising event aimed at finding a cure for spinal cord injuries. This 11th edition of the global race saw record-breaking attendance and funds raised.
An incredible 265 818 participants worldwide entered the race, and together raised an incredible € 8,1 million (R161 million). These funds will be allocated to the various search projects supported by the Wings for Life Foundation such as the STIMO study which has delivered tremendous results.
Unlike traditional races, the WFLWR doesn’t have a finish line. Instead, racers need to try and outrace the Catcher Car. When passed by the car, the racer is finished. This allows racers of any fitness level to participate whether they are aiming for three kilometre or 70 km which was the distance the global winner, Tomoya Watanabe from Japan, travelled before being caught.
Participants in South Africa raced with the help of the WFLWR app, which uses GPS to track your distance and informs you when the Catcher Car has passed you. For those near Cape Town and Centurion, it was possible to join the Red Bull South Africa App Run events hosted at the Greenpoint Urban Park in Cape Town and Irene Farm in Centurion respectively.
The event drew some familiar faces, including Paralympian Pieter du Preeze, and saw QASA members hand out medals to the racers as they finished.
Entries for the 12th edition of the WFLWR is already open. The event will take place on May 4, 2025. For more information, visit the official Wings for Life World Run website at www.wingsforlifeworldrun.com.
