Wings for Life World Run

The world's most unique and innovative race, Wings for Life World Run, returns in 2016 for its third consecutive year. The international event, spanning across six continents and 34 locations, will see runners stride from the start line on 8th May 2016 at 11am UTC.

This year, over 100,000 participants are expected to compete at the exact same time, regardless of their location, meaning some competitors will run from sundown to sunrise while others will run sunrise to sunset. Australian runners will commence their race in Melbourne at 9pm AEST, running through the night and into the early morning.

Open to runners of all abilities, ages and nationalities, the Wings for Life World Run is a test of stamina and endurance like no other, where the finish line chases you! Thirty minutes into the race, 'Catcher Cars" are released and speed up as the race progresses. Once a runner is passed by the 'Catcher Car" electronic sensors register the athlete's chips, meaning their race is over.

The female and male winners of 2015's Melbourne leg, Kelly-Ann Varey (AUS) and Michael Wardian (USA), completed a staggering 50.75km and 70.66km respectively, contributing a significant amount to the 530,928 kilometres that were run in total; the equivalent of one runner completing more than 13 laps around the world. Representing Australia on the world stage, Kelly-Ann placed 7^th in the women's division – a phenomenal achievement for the Canberra local.

In 2016, Melbourne will again play host to the race in Australia and welcomes -Naked Traveller' Tyson Mayr to the start line. Last year's local competitors included three-time world champion surfer Mick Fanning and cricketing star Ellyse Perry while former F1 racing driver Mark Webber ran in Silverstone, UK.

The Wings for Life World Run was founded in support of the not-for-profit Wings for Life Foundation, a charity that funds spinal cord research projects internationally for the millions of people around the world living with a spinal cord injury and 250,000 people each year who will sustain new spinal cord injuries. With 100% of entry fees going directly to the foundation, 2015 saw AUD $6 million raised for the cause. 

With less than four months to go, now is the perfect time to register and do your part for the Wings for Life Foundation. Eager participants can take advantage of a special Early Bird offer, with entry available for just $55 when they register before 29^th February 2016.