Wings For Life World Run

This weekends’ event easily joins the ranks of my all-time favourite races and I feel quite privileged to have been a part of it. Though The Wings for Life World Run is one of those race concepts that I have probably spent more collective time explaining to people than I did running it.

Starting at exactly the same time in 34 different locations across the globe, runners have a thirty minute head start over a chase car, which then sets off at (I think) 15kph, it then incrementally increases in speed. When the chase car passes you, you’re eliminated… Simples.

There were several reasons I signed up to the race, the format of running away from the finish line was something new, the fact that ALL of the money goes to a great charity, but also I get to say that I raced against DC! I don't really get star struck but like many people I'm sure, I have been a long time fan of David Coulthard. I was a bit lot excited when I found out he would be driving the chase car for the race in the UK.



Selfie with the chase a car

The race start was at 12 noon and as always I got to the event pretty much when registration opened (because I hate being late and having to rush) so I sat for nearly 3 hours in the blazing sun, working on my tan, taking selfies, and watching hundreds of runners pour in and join the ever increasing queues to register…

Eventually we were summoned to the start and put into pens based on a colour code on the race bib… My orange bib placed me near the front and I was surrounded by people who looked fast. I don’t remember putting down an overly ambitious predicted pace, but I suppose I must have.

The race was coordinated to start at exactly the same time as all the others so there were no last minute delays or a protracted preamble that overran, just a 10 second countdown, the start fanfare, a shower of ticker tape and we were off. As usual I got swept along with the cheers of the crowd and by the runners around me so for the first three kilometres I ran much faster than I had planned. The reckless initial pace, and the 26 degree heat soon made me realise that it was going to be a tough afternoon.

By ten kilometres I was sweltering, my skin was glazed in a delightful combo-sheen of sweat, sun-tan lotion, and Vaseline, and I was absolutely knackered. By then I didn’t care if the car came around the corner and eliminated me, it would have ended the purgatory I was putting myself through. At about this point I noticed someone had fallen in alongside me, she had a South African flag and at some point I had somehow ended up carrying my own Union Jack. Even though she doesn’t know it she became my flag buddy, we didn’t share a word I just hung on trying to keep up with her pace.


Did I mention David Couthard?

My flag buddy unknowingly dragging me along for another 6km before the chase car outriders finally appeared behind us. It was time to leave everything on the road and for 600 metres I gave it all I had before being finally (and somewhat happily) eliminated. DC gave a cheery thumbs up and it was all over.

16.6kms in 1h 35m. Considering that heat I’m pretty pleased with my effort.

The race was brilliantly organised, the support from the people of Cambridge was amazing, the goody bag was stacked, the medal is pretty good (if somewhat bijou), and I get to say that I raced against David Couthard! A great event. 



Wings For Life Medal (and bib)