The 11th edition of the Wings for the Life World Run was held on May 5th, 2024 simultaneously in a record-breaking 169 countries. Uniting over 265,818 participants of 192 nationalities, this event has drawn together like-minded people for a universal cause for over a decade.
Why is this important?
As advanced as our technology has become and medical aid far more readily available to even the furthest places, we still lack a cure or medical solution for spinal cord injury. Through an accident or defect at this very moment – while you're reading this – somebody has injured their spinal cord and may be permanently paralyzed or constrained. Immobile and now constantly dependent on the assistance of others.
The world’s largest international run is a charity foundation that supports cutting-edge research worldwide, and 100% of all donations it receives go directly towards the cause. The Wings for Life WORLD RUN is a run that is truly for everyone. Running, walking, or rolling, people all around the globe are moving simultaneously together to run for those who can’t. It’s raising awareness and funding for the people who cannot enjoy the freedom of moving their bodies. The way it works is the distance is not fixed, it has a moving finish line encouraged by a Catcher Car. The run aims to run as far as you can and once overtaken by the Catcher Car, you have finished the race!
This year’s World Run took a massive stride toward spinal cord research and we are truly honored to have participated as a sponsor in this year’s fundraiser. As a team of advent thrill seekers and sports enthusiasts, we can appreciate how fortunate we are and this was an opportunity for us to give back in an area where we felt deeply moved.
In partnership with Redbull, the Dubai Sports Council, Dubai Expo City, Adidas, Emirates Hospitals, and Fitze, the UAE running track and event took place at Expo City Dubai. The event's Executive Creative Director, Amna Abdulhoul, expressed excitement over the World Run's hosting. Expo City Dubai’s association with the Wings for Life World Life was not just a local event, but a global movement. It was a testimonial of a shared commitment to a cause that touched lives across the globe in finding a cure for spinal cord injury.
CIELO's participation in the Wings for Life World Run is a powerful statement of solidarity, unity, and a commitment to our community. We feel a sense of empowerment that we run for those who can’t. The Wings for Life World Run has significantly elevated the cause, raising over 43.8 million euros since its inception in 2014. A global movement, with 1,293,716 registered participants covering 11,839,989 km in over 195 countries across all seven continents.
We extend our deepest gratitude to Wings for Life and Redbull for this opportunity and look forward to next year's activation with excitement and ambition to have more like-minded people join us for the cause.
The Wings for Life World Run is not just a race but a global ambition to find a cure for spinal cord injury. Every step or roll on this day contributes to spinal cord research. We look forward to having you join the CIELO team to run for those who can’t next year.