If you love the running scene but don’t want to commit to a full marathon at the BMO Marathon, then this is the run for you!
The Redbull Wings for Life World Run is the world’s largest communal running event, as it connects runners and athletes all over the world to join in a one-of-a-kind format. The format of the run is super unique and gives every runner the chance to run at their own pace. Runners all over the world start the run at the same time, for Vancouver it’s 4:00am, and try to outrun the virtual Catcher Car that acts as a moving finish line. The concept is simple, keep running until the car catches you and stop when it does! All you have to do is register yourself, download the app, and follow the instructions on there and you’re all set.
The purpose of the run is to raise awareness and find a cure for spinal cord injuries. Many athletes and people around the world suffer terrible back injuries that can leave them paralyzed, with no feeling in their legs or even their arms as well. Wings for Life’s goal is to try and help these people around the world, with all of the entry fees going towards this cutting edge research.
Now you’re probably thinking, what the heck is a catcher car?! Well here’s what you need to know. The Catcher Car, also known as the moving finish line, begins its virtual “hunt” thirty minutes after the race begins. After the thirty minutes is up, it slowly starts moving towards any participants in the run. It keeps going until the last person in the world, yes the whole world, running gets caught by it, no matter how long it takes. What makes this race so fun and unique is that every single person who does across the globe starts at the exact same time. Whether you’re starting the run at 4:00am on the west coast of Canada, 7:00am on the east coast of Canada, or 12:00pm all the way in Europe, everyone starts together. Last year, the final survivor of the run was Jo Fukuda from Japan, who ran a grand total of 69.01km in Shinjuku Ku Jingu Gaien.
As of right now, Redbulls Wings for Life World Run has accumulated over $64 million CAD, over 11.8 million kilometres ran, 1.2 plus million participants, and over 165 countries have joined. The run takes place Sunday May 5th, at 4:00am Vancouver time, the starting position, if you choose to run with a crowd, is at the Vancouver Maritime Museum. Do you think you could last very long against the Catcher Car? Let us know in the comments!