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Opportunity to enter Wings for Life World run wheelchair race

On 4 May 2014, runners and wheelchair users across the globe will unite as part of the world’s most spectacular race ever- the Wings for Life World Run. Thousands of people will participate in this unique race staged simultaneously in 34 different countries across six continents.

The UK Wings for Life World Run will be at Silverstone, the home of British Motorsport, and Wings for Life are proud to announce the inclusion of a World Run wheelchair race in the UK event. Racers of all abilities using self-propelled wheelchairs are invited to take part. Anyone is welcome to take part- from keen amateurs looking to have fun with friends to professional wheelchair athletes.

Participants can sign up now at www.wingsforlifeworldrun.com until 27 April, 2014.

The common theme between the runners' race and the wheelchair race is the World Run ‘Catcher Car’ – a vehicle specifically designed for this global event. However the two races will follow a slightly different format.

Anita Gerhardter, CEO of Wings for Life, said:

“We’ve developed both runs to provide a similarly unique experience whilst making sure we meet all relevant safety requirements and local conditions.”

In the runners race the Catcher Car will chase runners at an increasing speed eliminating them one by one. In the race for wheelchair users, the car will set off first and 10 minutes later participants will race to catch up with it. The first athlete to reach the car will dictate the turning point of the race. Every other competitor will then have to turn at that same marker and race back to the start line, which will then become the finish line. The maximum distance for the turning point is 5km, so if nobody catches up with the car the race will be a total of 10km. 

The first male and female racers to cross the finish line will be the local winners. But the Wings for Life World Run is as much about being involved as it is about winning. With 100% of the entry fees going straight to cutting-edge spinal research projects, this event will drive forward crucial advances in spinal cord injury. As an extra incentive the top 50 fundraisers in the UK who raise the most for Wings for Life will win a sought after tour of the Infiniti Red Bull Racing Factory. Thomas Geierspichler, World Champion wheelchair racer, said:

“Being there is all that matters. It’s all about having fun and raising money for an important cause, I hope that many people with spinal cord injury take part or at least show their support at events worldwide.”

Entry fee is £40. Race start time is 12 midday.

For more information please contact Rebecca Holt on rebecca.holt@wingsforlife.com  

Enter the Wings for Life World Run: www.wingsforlifeworldrun.com

Media site: www.wingsforlifeworldrunnewsroom.com