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DURBAN – MORE than 4.1 million euros (R 70 million) were raised at the Wings for Life World Run over the weekend.
According to the organizer, 184 236 participants from 195 nations took part on Sunday.
The funds collected from entrance fees and donations flow into spinal cord research.
The Swede Aron Anderson (66.8 km) won the men’s race for the third time after victories in 2017 and 2018, while the Russian Nina Zarina (60.2 km) won her third title in a row after victories in 2019 and 2020.
The runners and wheelchair users covered an average of 12.3 km this year.
Almost 2,000 South Africans across the country took part in this year’s run.
The South African winner of the 2018 race, Admire Muzopambwa, led the table with an outstanding 50.4 km.
Other local athletes and media personalities who took to the streets included Brad Binder of MotoGP, Zanele Potelwa at lunchtime from 5FM, celebrities Stephanie and Hungani Ndlovu, and trail ultra runner Ryan Sandes.
“I’m lost for words. The number of participants is so much larger than we dared to dream. I can only thank everyone who walked, walked or rolled with us, ”says Anita Gerhardter, managing director of the non-profit foundation Wings for Life.
“I’m thrilled to hear that more than 180,000 people around the world have come together to run for a good cause,” said Jon Ridgeon, CEO of World Athletics.
“It is fantastic that a global event like the Wings for Life World Run can take place in these challenging times with intelligent solutions such as an app. It is a ray of hope for all runners and athletes around the world and I hope that there will be more such events in the future to give people the opportunity to continue their active lifestyle during the pandemic.
“For me, as a person with a spinal cord injury, it is really amazing and gratifying that over 180,000 people have chosen to take part in the Wings for Life World Run to help researchers find a cure,” said three-time winner Anderson of Sweden.
“The race brings so much joy to my heart and I really love being a part of it. I would like to express my thanks to all the other runners because they all make an important contribution. So many thanks to everyone! “
THE MERCURY