How will you be spending Mothers Day? For approximately 12,000 people, the answer is… running. This Sunday, participants from over 133 nations plan on taking part in the world’s biggest run ever. The Wings for Life World Run 2021, which has been organized in support of spinal cord research, is for everyone so don’t let yourself get intimidated.
Really… whether you’re a novice runner, an ultra-distance specialist, or even a wheelchair racer, thanks to the unique race format, anyone at any level can take to the course. Simply download the app and get ready to connect with other racers or opt to race alone. Everyone around the world will start at exactly the same time, 11am UTC (Coordinated Universal Time) and then, 30 minutes later, a virtual Catcher Car or rolling finish line, will begin passing participants one at a time until the winners are determined. For top runners, the race is expected to take about 4 1/2 hours.
Those concerned they’ll miss the cheering crowds on the sidelines can download a motivational playlist designed to keep them going. Plus there’s a race anthem, created by Music producer and spinal cord injury survivor, Mike Mac, titled ‘Phoenix’ in support of the run.
“You can do anything you set your mind to. I was paralyzed 18 years ago, and who would have thought I’d make a song for Wings for Life,” Mac says. “No struggle or injury defines who you are. Never let it stop you.”
Mac collaborated on the track with PineappleCITI, who herself was unable to walk for two years after a near-fatal car wreck in 2016.
The true beauty of the Wings for Life World Run, which is hosted by Red Bull, is that everyone is a finisher and each participant can strive to achieve their own personal target. Plus, 100% of all donations and entry fees go to spinal cord research.
Find more information and details about signing up at www.wingsforlifeworldrun.com. Registration to the virtual race will remain open right up until just a half hour before start time.
Elise Edwards
Writer/Producer
Elise began her career as a Writer/Anchor/Reporter at CNN headquarters in Atlanta, GA. She also served as Supervising Producer at E! Networks and most recently, has been busy freelance producing and writing for numerous magazines and blogs.
