THE EVENT TAKES PLACE ON MAY 8TH

Wings For Life World Run: The largest running event in history is right around the corner

Wings For Life World Run: The largest running event in history is right around the corner
The excitement is really building up! Photo by: Philipp Carl Riedl for Wings for Life World Run

Houstonians and beyond are invited to be a part of the Wings for Life World Run on May 8 to raise funds for spinal cord injury research.

In exactly 4 days, runners, walkers, and wheelchair rollers have the chance to participate in what has become the single largest running event in history. With 184,236 registered participants across 195 different nations in 2021, the Wings for Life World Run has become a true global phenomenon. On May 8, 2022 at 6am CST, the start signal will sound for the 9th annual edition as participants around the globe will be united during the run via the Wings for Life World Run App and the unique Audio Experience that will inform, entertain, and motivate the participants.

If running in a group is what motivates you, have no fear! Those located in the Houston metroplex are invited to join their choice of organized Wings For Life event runs. One taking place at the University of Houston outdoor track, which will feature a DJ, breakfast snacks, plenty of Red Bull and water, and perhaps even a visit from a Red Bull athlete. This event is welcome to runners, walkers, and wheelchair users. Those looking to explore the Houston landscape and challenge their personal record, there will also be an organized run at Eleanor Tinsley Park (within Buffalo Bayou Park) accessible from Allen Parkway, where participants can load up on pre-run snacks, fruit, Red Bull and water.

Both events will begin at the same time as all others around the globe - in Texas at 6am CST/7am EST/4am PST/1pm CET, etc. There is no set finish line. Instead, 30 minutes after the start signal, the virtual Catcher Car will start moving within the App and gradually accelerate to overtake the participants one by one. As soon as the virtual Catcher Car has passed the runner, their race is over, and they are knocked out of contention.

A total of nearly $5 million dollars was raised for spinal cord research in 2021 through entry fees and donations, while a total of 1,029,513 miles were completed - the equivalent of running more than 41 times around the globe.

“The excitement is really building up. Last year was overwhelming considering the circumstances, and this year we want to grow even bigger because we have created a really bold vision that by 2025 we aim to have 1 million runners in the Wings For Life World Run,” said Anita Gerhardter, global CEO of the non-profit foundation Wings For Life. “Everyone can participate, this is the beauty of this run because the finish line comes from behind. So if you stroll or take a power walk you might just be covering a few miles, but if you’re sportier you might complete 10, 20 or even 30 miles. But it doesn’t matter, it’s just you against your own personal goal.”

Anyone who feels like participating can now download the Wings For Life World Run App, register, and train with the virtual Catcher Car during a Preparation Run. All information about Wings For Life World Run and how to participate can be found at www.wingsforlifeworldrun.com.


  • About Wings for Life Foundation and the MissionMillions of people are currently dependent on a wheelchair after having sustained a spinal cord injury. Every year, at least 250,000 people sustain a spinal cord injury, followed by paralysis. That’s one person every two minutes. Scientists agree: injured neurons are able to regenerate, and spinal cord injury will be curable one day. Wings for Life USA – Spinal Cord Research Foundation, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit foundation with a mission to find the cure for spinal cord injury. In order to realize its vision, Wings for Life supports world class scientific research and clinical trials aimed at healing the spinal cord. Since 2004, Wings for Life has funded 239 life-changing research projects and clinical trials around the globe, including 23 current projects plus 10 newly approved researched projects in the U.S.A. While the cure is still to be found, steady progress has been made. Wings for Life guarantees that 100% of all donations are spent on spinal cord research, ensuring all monies raised will help work towards Wings for Life’s ultimate goal. To learn more or donate please go to www.wingsforlife.com.
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The Texans will look to get back on track this Sunday against the Colts. Composite Getty Image.

C.J. Stroud and the Houston Texans are looking for answers after their passing game couldn’t get going in a loss to the Green Bay Packers.

Houston’s passing attack had been a strength all season, and the Texans ranked fifth in yards passing per game through their first six games. But on Sunday at Lambeau Field, Stroud was limited to a career-low 86 yards in the 24-22 loss, which snapped a three-game winning streak.

Stroud was 10 of 21 and didn’t have a touchdown pass for the first time this season. The second-year player was under duress for much of the day and was sacked four times and hit seven other times.

“We have to go back to the drawing board and see what those issues were,” coach DeMeco Ryans said. “As we watch the film, we’ll see what happened, starting for me the communication and just guys being on the details of the job.”

The Texans scored a season-high 41 points in a win over New England a week earlier in which Stroud threw a season-best three touchdown passes despite being without star receiver Nico Collins.

They were unable to replicate that success Sunday with Collins out for the second of at least four games after a hamstring injury landed him on injured reserve.

Stefon Diggs led the team with five receptions against the Packers, but they only amounted to 23 yards. Tank Dell, who the Texans expected to step up with Collins out, was targeted four times but didn’t have a catch.

Stroud discussed the importance of getting Dell more involved in the offense.

“We have to find a way to try and get him the rock early and often and then go from there,” he said. “It has to be a focus for us, not only just him, but the whole offense clicking early. That is really my job to get the ball out on time and to where it is supposed to go. So yeah, that definitely has to be fixed.”

Ryans spoke about his confidence is getting Dell going.

What's working

The Texans have forced seven turnovers combined in their last two games after they hadn’t caused any in their previous three games.

Houston scored 16 points off three turnovers Sunday. The Texans had two interceptions and recovered a fumble on a punt. In their win over the Patriots, they scored 17 points off a season-high four turnovers.

What needs help

The Texans won’t get to where they want to be this season if Stroud doesn’t get back on track. Before Sunday, last year’s AP Offensive Rookie of the Year was averaging more than 262 yards passing a game, giving the team confidence that the problems in the passing game are fixable.

Ryans knows the line must give Stroud more time to throw and said the coaching staff will focus on improving in that area this week.

Stock up

RB Joe Mixon continued to shine Sunday in his second game back after missing three games with an ankle injury. Mixon, who is in his first season in Houston after a trade from Cincinnati, had 25 carries for 115 yards and two touchdowns against Green Bay.

Mixon is confident the Texans will rebound this week if they quit making mistakes.

“Does it look I’m worried? I’m not worried at all,” he said. “Like I said, we got a ... good football team. At the end of the day, we are our own worst enemy.”

Stock down

Dell was unable to help Stroud get the passing game going. The second-year player had a solid rookie season with 709 yards receiving and seven touchdowns in 11 games before breaking his leg. But he hasn’t been able to build on that success this year and has just 194 yards receiving with one score in six games.

Injuries

LB Azeez Al-Shaair (knee), LB Henry To’oTo’o (concussion), CB Kamari Lassiter (shoulder) and S Jimmie Ward (groin) all missed Sunday’s game and it’s unclear if any of these starters can return this week.

Key number

3 — Safety Calen Bullock had his third interception Sunday to tie Dunta Robinson and Jumal Rolle for most interceptions by a rookie in franchise history through the first seven games. He leads NFL rookies in interceptions this season and is tied for third-most among all players.

Next steps

The AFC South-leading Texans (5-2) return to division play Sunday when they host the second-place Colts (4-3), who have won two in a row and four of five.

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