More than 77,000 participants and a new record for David Mzee at the worldwide App Run!
On May 3, the Wings for Life World Run took place for the seventh time. This year, however, everything was a bit different: all over the world, the participants exclusively ran with the individual App Run. That’s how more than 77,000 participants ran on their own, yet still together so that, one day, there will be a cure for spinal cord injuries. David Mzee, a paraplegic sports teacher from Zurich broke his 2019 record. His legs transported him further than ever since his accident.
The run started May 3 at 1 pm Swiss time. With the Wings for Life World Run App more than 77,000 started running for spinal cord research all over the globe at exactly the same time (11:00 UTC). By day or by night, in rain or sunshine, in the forest or in the neighbourhood – everyone ran with the individual App for those who can’t – until they were caught up by the virtual Catcher Car. The reason: 100% of all proceeds raised go towards selected projects that are invested in spinal cord research.
467 significant meters for David Mzee in Switzerland
Last year at the Wings for Life World Run, David Mzee walked, after nearly a decade in the wheelchair, 390 meters before the Catcher Car caught him up. This year, he even topped this achievement. His legs transported him farther than ever since his accident. On the 400-m track in Wetzikon, he walked an unbelievable 467 meters: “I was able to set a new record! My goal was 400m. It’s so cool to have exceeded this goal so clearly! Even though, today we ran on our own with the app, I could still hear the cheers from the 2019 Wings for Life World Run, and that was a great feeling! It makes me happy.”
An inspiration for Niklas Sjöblom. The Swede who lives in Switzerland won the Swiss edition in 2018 and in 2019, he won in South Africa. This year, he ran with David Mzee – with enough social distancing, of course. With 62.1 kilometres, he ran the greatest distance in Switzerland. Two great achievements in Wetzikon!
The run in numbers
This year, everything was a bit different. The Wings for Life World Run exclusively took place with the App Run. In Switzerland, 3,300 runners and wheelchair users tried to come as far as possible with the Wings for Life World App Run before the virtual Catcher Car caught them up. The Swiss Melanie Maurer (40.3 km) and the Swede living in Switzerland Niklas Sjöblom (62.1 km) ran the greatest distance in Switzerland.
Globally, 77,000 participants ran in 104 countries. In total, 2.8 million Euros were raised for spinal cord research. Michael Taylor from England ran 69.9 km and won the title Men’s Global Champion, while Nina Zarina won the women’s title with 54.2 km. The winning wheelchair users in Switzerland were Tanja Zentriegen who won the women’s title with 18.13 km and in the men’s corner, Christian Bürki made first place with 30.46 km.
WE SAY THANK YOU!
Even though the Wings for Life World Run did not take place like usual this year, we want to say thank you from the bottom of our hearts. To everyone who participated with the app, who collected donations, or cheered with us from home. You are the greatest community! With your help, we will find a cure for spinal cord injuries. See you next year!
Save the Date: the eighth edition of the Wings for Life World Run will take place on Sunday, May 9th, 2021.
