The Wings for Life World Run returns to Dubai for the third time next month, helping to raise money for spinal cord research.
The run will be held simultaneously in 24 countries on May 7. In Dubai, the only participating city in the Middle East, the run will start at 3pm at Dubai Autodrome.
Unlike other races, the Wings for Life World Run has a “moving finish line”. Entrants, including those in wheelchairs, are given a 30-minute headstart and must stay ahead of the catcher car. Once they are overtaken by the car, their race is finished.
Last year’s global winners were Kaori Yoshida, from Japan, who ran 65.78 kilometres before being caught, while Giorgio Calcaterra, of Italy, became the first runner to break the 80km mark, completing 88.44km.
In Dubai, the men’s division was won by Portuguese runner Helder Santos, who ran 54.34km, while Colombian Carolina Gutierrez was the women’s winner, running 21.52km.
Since the run began in 2014, almost Dh54 million has been raised for the Wings For Life Foundation, an international not-for-profit spinal cord research foundation. Entry fees are Dh195, all of which goes towards researching treatments and cures for spinal cord injuries.
For registration and more information, visit www.wingsforlifeworldrun.com/.
healthyliving@thenational.ae
