Zebras, Treadmills and Angels: Some of the Wings for Life World Run 2020 Highlights

On May 3, 2020, we had a Wings for Life World Run like no other. Yes, thousands across the globe joined together to raise money for spinal cord injury. But this time, they ran apart, using the App.

Typical! If you give this community a challenge, it comes up with creative and uplifting moments all the way.

Let’s look at some of the highlights.

Outrunning a zebra in Tanzania

The Wings for Life World Run is no stranger to stunning backdrops, more typically in its global Flagship Runs. But with those cancelled this year, all individual runners chose their own path. And few paths were more striking than that of Baraka Laizer of the Maasai tribe.

Running near Mount Kilimanjaro, he was joined by a zebra for company.

Innovation in the face of limitation

Last year’s national winner in Switzerland, Francesco Mascherpa, was in lockdown in Italy on May 3, so he got creative by taking on the Catcher Car at home.

“I decided I will run the Wings for Life World Run on my treadmill, trying to run as many kilometers as possible”.

He wasn’t the only one to hit the treadmill, with Red Bull athlete Alex Roudayna consigned to her treadmill indoors in Mexico. Her aim was to break the 50km mark.

Teamwork makes the dream work

In Colorado, Joshua Stevens committed to running 24 hours of the Wings for Life World Run to raise awareness for the cause. Alongside him, for periods, paralyzed Quinn Brett on a hand cycle answered questions about spinal cord injury by livestream as she supported her buddy’s ultrarunning challenge.

In Team Estes Park & Associates, Joshua covered 100 miles in 22:07:07 at an average altitude of 2,2716 meters above sea level.

The Pink Angel

The Wings for Life World Run wouldn’t be the Wings for Life World Run without Wesley Butstraen. In his trademark pink suit and beaming smile, he covered 18km on May 3 before the virtual Catcher Car ended his race.

Famous support

As they battled to stay ahead of the Catcher Car, App Runners had huge support from our global community and some well-known faces. Massive names from the world of sport – Lindsey Vonn, Henrik Kristoffersen, Max Verstappen, Aron Anderson, Marcel Hirscher and Colin Jackson – pulled together to cheer this wonderful, imaginative community on.

And the list of highlights goes on. Huge thanks to our community constantly fueled by love, humor and a whole lot of positive energy – you made the Wings for Life World Run 2020 so special! What were your highlights of this year’s run? Share on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.