The Wings for Life World Run introduces the 'Catcher Car'

Calling the last registrations for the Auckland race.

The last registrations for the Auckland race of the Wings for Life World Run can be made on wingsforlifeworldrun.com until this Sunday, April 27. Next Sunday night, on May 4, at 10pm NZT, tens of thousands of runners around the world will set off on a history-making journey in a simultaneous global race for charity in 32 different countries. Auckland runners will begin at Hampton Downs Raceway.

The top prize will be an extraordinary month-long trip around the world for the best male and female runners. What makes this race different? The unique race format, governed by the ‘Catcher Car.’





“For some, the ‘Catcher Car’ will be the most motivating part of the race; for others, it will be their biggest fear. Will it be welcomed or hated – let’s see!” says Great Britain’s Olympic silver medallist, Colin Jackson. “Unlike normal running races, the finish line is chasing them. You know where you start, but you do not know where you finish! Half an hour after the start signal sounds, official Catcher Cars will set off at each race track, worldwide, and pursue the runners. This pace will accelerate at determined intervals.”

Each location will have its own race and country winners, but, after the official Catcher Cars have accelerated over the hours, eliminating participants as they pass them, there will be one single man and one single woman left running, worldwide. They will be crowned the Global Champions of the Wings for Life World Run.

The Catcher Cars are fitted with completely new tracking technology, developed specifically for the Wings for Life World Run. All runners’ progress and final results across all tracks will be recorded by a timing tag hidden in each runner’s Individual Race Number. This tag is activated as they cross the start line and is deactivated and their final distance is recorded when they are passed by a Catcher Car.

10.00pm NZT – RACE START
10.30pm NZT – CATCHER CAR STARTS ON COURSE – PACE: 15km/hr
11.30pm NZT – PACE INCREASE: 16km/hr
12.30am NZT – PACE INCREASE: 17km/hr                                        
01.30am NZT – PACE INCREASE: 20 km/hr
03.30am NZT – PACE INCREASE: 35km/hr

The 35 tracks will encompass all manner of climates, weather conditions and time zones, all with distinctive light settings. The New Zealand track will start at Hampton Downs Raceway, giving runners a unique opportunity to begin their journey on one of New Zealand’s premium racetracks. After completing a circuit of Hampton Downs, runners exit over State Highway 1 and head east through farm land towards the Firth of Thames. 45kms along, runners will veer left onto State Highway 25, before pointing north towards Miranda. The track continues up the coast, over the Hunua Ranges and before descending into Kawakawa Bay.

This is the first Wings for Life World Run. Every runner will be taking steps towards finding a cure for spinal cord injury, with 100% of the proceeds going directly to the Wings for Life Foundation. Runners will receive an entry bag including an Energizer headlamp and vouchers for Burger Fuel, iLabb and Platinum sportswear.