There was an exhilarating start to the 2nd Wings for Life World Run in 35 locations across the globe on Sunday (3 May) with a record of 101,280 athletes who ran in over 35 locations worldwide. This included over 2,000 runners who started the Irish race in Dun Laoghaire, Co. Dublin and ran along the south east coast.
The race started at 12pm with the Honda Catcher Car beginning their pursuit 30 minutes later as runners of all abilities raised money for the Wings for Life Foundation, which aims to find a cure for spinal cord injury.
Orna Dillworth from Dublin who ran 39.2km won the Irish women’s race and David Sheehy also from Dublin who ran 52.1km won the men’s race.
Ethiopia’s Lemawork Ketema was crowned the global winner for the second year running with a winning mark of 79.9km. As the Catcher Car finally passed him in St Polten, Austria, Ketema fell to the floor and kissed the tarmac in exhausted celebration. Yuko Watanabe from Japan was crowned the Global Female Winner running a total distance of 56.33km.
In Brazil, last year’s Irish winner John O’Regan guided visually impaired runner Sinead Kane to a 25.4km race in the 29 degree celsius heat of Brasilia. The pair enjoyed a recovery session in the FIFA medical centre so should be fighting fit for their return to Ireland after a tough run.
Runners in Dun Laoghaire included Simon Zebo (Munster & Ireland rugby), Joe Canning (Galway hurler) Eoin Larkin (Kilkenny hurler), Alan Brogan (Dublin footballer), Con Doherty (Irish triathlete), Annalise Murphy (Irish sailor), Keith Walsh (RTE 2fm Breakfast Republic), Alison Canavan, Keith Duffy and a host celebrities and politicians who ran the race.
Anita Gerhardter, CEO of the Wings for Life Foundation
“It was a great day for Wings for Life and a great day for spinal cord research with €4.2 million raised to date, with donations still coming in. It exceeded all my expectations with so many
thrilling and touching moments throughout the day.
EVENT VIDEO CAN BE VIEWED HERE