The Wings for Life World Run is unique in its worldwide reach - it gathers runners from 38 locations on five continents to run for those who can't. Participants will run simultaneously in varying light and weather conditions.
All entry fees from the World Run will go to the Wings for Life Foundation, an organisation that funds research into finding a cure for traumatic spinal cord injury.
In South Africa, adding their voices and legs to the cause are actresses Vanessa Haywood and Hlubi Mboya, ultra trail runner Ryan Sandes, C6 quadriplegic super-athlete Pieter du Preez and media personality Ryan O'Connor. They join other World Run ambassadors taking part in the race like former Formula One driver David Coulthard, current Formula One World Champion Sebastian Vettel, and surf sports legend Robby Naish, among others.
What makes the World Run unique is that there is no finish line. A 'catcher car' will instead chase down runners - allowing each participant the opportunity to set their own goal for the race. Once a catcher car overtakes a runner, their race is over. One could run as little as 5km or, if quick enough to stay ahead of the catcher car for long enough, the full route of 48km.
Locally, the World Run is proudly supported by two influential South African organisations that firmly believe in finding a cure for spinal cord injuries to change the lives of thousands of our citizens. The QuadPara Association of South Africa (QASA) and the Chris Burger Petro Jackson Player's Fund both play an integral role in driving spinal cord injury awareness.
"Achieving a cure for spinal cord injury is the dream of every person with this extreme disability, and it can only be accomplished through research," Ari Seirlis of QASA explains. "QASA, representing quadriplegics and paraplegics in South Africa, supports all efforts to fund research and so we are thrilled to be involved in the Wings for Life World Run.
"In addition to raising funds, events like the Wings for Life World Run are so important to increase public awareness of spinal cord injury and how it results in mobility impairment. We urge members of the public to get involved in the World Run, and stay involved so that together we are advocates for better resources, more research and better infrastructure for South Africans with disabilities," Seirlis says.
For more details and to register for the World Run, go to www.wingsforlifeworldrun.com/capetown. Entry costs R250 and the closing date is 20 April 2014.
