Almost half of all spinal cord injuries are the result of a motor vehicle accident. The type of disability that happens once the cord is damaged depends on the severity of the injury and where on the cord the affected area is located. Common complications include loss of sensations such as touch, pain and the ability to tell the difference between hot and cold. Injuries can also lead to limited bladder and bowel control, change in blood pressure and in more extreme cases, the inability to walk.
Wings for Life is a not-for-profit spinal cord research foundation whose mission is to find a cure for spinal cord injury. The organisation funds world-class scientific research and clinical trials, the world over, that concentrate on healing the injured spinal cord. One of the ways in which the foundation raises money for its research is via the Wings for Life World Run.
What makes this race so unusual is that its participants don’t have to run a set distance. Instead, a pace car gives everyone a 30-minute head start and then takes to the track. If the car passes you, you are out of the race. This continues until one person, the winner is left to claim victory.
The run also takes place in 34 or 35 locations around the world at the same time and 100% of all donations go directly to spinal cord research. And the good news is that you can now sign up for the next run. The South African leg will be held in Pretoria on the 5th of May 2019. You will be in good company as people in countries as far afield as Austria and Rio will be running at exactly the same time as you.
Visit Wings for life world run
