Key to the fun of the race is that wheelchair participants and runners compete side by side to stay ahead of the Catcher Car, the virtual finish line. Everyone around the world starts at the same time, and the Catcher Car starts its pursuit 30 minutes after the race begins, slowly picking up speed – once it catches up with you, your race is complete!
“We’re already very much looking forward to May 7, when the Wings for Life World Run is celebrating a special anniversary,” says Anita Gerhardter, CEO of the Wings for Life Foundation. It’s the 10th time that people all over the world will come together to run for those who can’t. “This run is something very special. Anyone can take part and all entry fees are donated to a good cause.”
To date, R717 717 986,67 has been raised in donations, all of which has been invested in research. In 2022 alone, the Wings for Life World Run generated R88 072 239,12 in donations thanks to the 161,892 participants from 192 countries. As Anita Gerhardter says: “The more money we raise, the more studies we can help fund – and the faster we can reach our overall goal.”
Get Connected
The Johannesburg event will be taking place in Roodepoort from Ruimsig Stadium. The entry fee is R199, all of which goes to spinal cord research, and participants just need to download the Wings for Life World Run App onto their phone so that the Catcher Car can track them.
Meet Sandile Mkhize
“I first participated in 2016 when I decided to enter and get out of my comfort zone – I’ve been doing it every year since,” says Sandile. “It was slightly overwhelming at the time as I was three years into my Spinal Cord Injury and I truly did not know how to navigate the world. But seeing so many people in wheelchairs really gave me the confidence boost I needed.”
And while there are plenty of races out there, there’s only one that gives you the opportunity to directly contribute to much needed research. “Playing your part in finding a cure for spinal cord injury is a great way to contribute to society and I believe it is a chance to be part of something special,” says Sandile. “100% of runner entry fees goes straight into funding spinal cord injury research, and in my view, this is what makes the Wings For Life World Run truly special.”
