Thousands of South Africans joined the world to run for those who can’t.

The Wings for Life World Run, which took place on May 8 from Supersport Park in Centurion, was a day of camaraderie, fun and achievement. Some 130 000 runners around the world in 34 countries, including 2 300 runners in South Africa, both able-bodied and with a disability, hit the road at the same time, all being chased by the catcher car. Each individual set their own goal for how far they hoped to run before they were caught. Spirits were high, although bodies were tired, as the catcher car closed in and runners tried to sprint for a few extra metres before their race came to an end.

Once caught, participants were loaded onto buses and transported back to the stadium where the festivities continued. Huge TV screens showed what was happening in the other countries around the world as participants raced against each other on different continents.   The global winner for 2016 was Giorgio Calcaterra in Milan, Italy, after he ran 88.44km.

The full 100% of all entry fees go to the Wings For Life Spinal Cord Research Foundation, which has a single mission – to find a cure for spinal cord injury. This year nearly R112 million (€6.6 million) was raised at this event around the world. The event will take place next year on May 7 – and it’s not to be missed.