With 35 simultaneous starts and no finish line, the world will run in an incredible world-wide race on Sunday, 3 May 2015. In races across six continents, runners will attempt to stay ahead of pursuing ‘catcher cars’ driven to chase and overpass them.
Organised by Red Bull in partnership with the Wings for Life Foundation, this ground-breaking international race with a “moving finish line” was first held in May 2014. More than $4.1 million was raised in its inaugural year, impacting thousands who would benefit from spinal cord injury research.
Singaporean Representative
Singaporean ultra-marathoner Paviter Singh will be joining the Wings for Life World Run race this year in Yilan, Taiwan, at one of the 35 start lines. Surrounded by mountains and sea side with mild climate, this race promises scenic views of alluvial plains interwoven with water and rice fields by Lanyang River.
The 32 year-old running enthusiast, who completed the Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc (UTMB) CCC 101km in France in 2014, and will be taking part in the Ultra Trail Mt. Fuji (UTMF)100-miler in Japan this year, is eager to take on the challenge for a good cause.
“I am looking forward to placing Singapore on the map in this race and to stay ahead of the chase car for as long as possible. My aim would be to cross a marathon distance at least. This will be quite an exhilarating experience! As part of my preparation, I have ramped up my training to almost 6 days a week over the past month.”
The Catcher Car – A Moving Finish Line
Flagging off more than 35,000 runners at exactly the same time—day or night—across the globe, is a staggering challenge. But the Wings for Life World Run takes it up another notch: just 30 minutes after the participants take off, the ‘catcher car’ will start to follow them.
Driving slowly first, but gradually increasing its speed, the catcher car is the moving finish line. Equipped with electronic sensors, the catcher car will pass the runners and register their digital chips. You won’t just be competing with your fellow participants—the last male and female to be caught worldwide will be the global champions!
Running For Those Who Can’t
Millions of people worldwide are living with a spinal cord injury. Every year, at least 250,000 more sustain a traumatic spinal cord injury, following traffic accidents, tragic falls and slips.
Launched in 2014, this global run initiative supports the not-for-profit Wings for Life Foundation. 100% of the registration fees and sponsorship dollars from the World Run go directly to the Wings for Life Foundation to fund spinal cord injury research all over the world.
Join The Cause
Wheelchair users and runners can participate side by side in one race. You can still register online to join a race near you.
Find out more about this meaningful cause on their official website. Do also like their Facebook page for updates.
