The Wings for Life World Run (WFLWR) is a global run where hundreds of thousands around the globe will lace up their running shoes at the exact same time and run for those who can’t to raise vital funds for spinal cord injury research
Kiwis can join the Wings for Life World Run at 11pm on Sunday, 7 May. In Auckland, hundreds will gather at Westhaven Marina and hit a 4km loop while those outside of Auckland are encouraged to join nearby runs or, gather a team and run anywhere they like via the app.
WFLWR is for everyone and anyone and all runners and wheelchair users start at the same time and run or roll as far as they can until the virtual chaser catches them.
The Wings for Life World Run is helping to make a difference by raising vital funds for the Wings for Life not-for-profit spinal cord research foundation which has a single mission: to find a cure for spinal cord injury. 100% of the entry fees and donations go to these research projects.
Three kiwi ambassadors have come on board to help raise awareness and encourage participants to get involved in the run. Brad Smeele, Bailley Unahi and Gareth Lynch, will wheel their way to a cure.
Brad Smeele was one of New Zealand’s top professional wakeboarders making waves globally achieving several awards and traveling the world. In 2014, Smeele attempted a trick which resulted in a horrific crash, breaking his neck, which meant he lost movement and feeling from the shoulders down, leaving him quadriplegic.
Today, Brad is dedicated to sharing his story and inspiring others through his recently launched book ‘Owning It’, his motivational talks and sharing his daily life with his social followers.
‘’My whole life was centred around being active and perfecting my craft – wakeboarding was everything to me. It’s been a tough journey but today I’m passionate about sharing my story and inspiring people to still live a full and action-packed life like I aim to do.’’
For the third year running, Smeele is rallying his friends, other athletes and people from around the world to join his team and support the cause that is close to his heart. ‘’I truly believe that a cure is possible to help people like me re gain movement. I want to see as many Kiwis as possible get involved to help raise funds for this research. Grab a group of mates and let’s get out there! Anyone can do it.’’
Bailley Unahi was left paralysed and now uses a wheelchair after a balcony collapsed on top of her at a Six60 concert in Dunedin – but it hasn’t stopped her chasing a new dream to represent New Zealand at the 2026 Paralympics as a competitive skier. ‘‘Being paralysed has been hard to accept but now I’m working towards a new dream and am pursuing my career in competitive skiing. It’s so important to remember that I can still be active, follow my dreams and live a full life. The Wings for Life World Run is a great reminder of this. I’m
getting involved for the second year and want Kiwis of all abilities to know that they too can join the run!’’ Bailley shares.
In 2016, Gareth Lynch had an accident diving into a swimming pool that resulted in spinal cord injury and paralysis from the chest down including partial impairment of his arms. A keen sportsperson who had a love of all board sports and dabbled in several other sports including soccer, rowing, mixed
martial arts and more, Gareth’s injury changed his life forever.
Since the incident, Gareth has kept his active passions alive and is following a new journey as a wheelchair rugby player in the New Zealand Wheel Blacks.
‘’Before my injury I lived an active lifestyle and loved to experience different sports and activities. Although things are different now, I’m stoked that I’ve found a new passion with wheelchair rugby.
We’re currently working towards qualifying for the Paris Paralympics in 2024 and have several international events this year.’’
‘’I’m looking forward to getting involved in The Wings for Life World Run with some of my teammates and my girlfriend. It’ll be great to participate for a cause that is so close to my heart and knowing that it’s helping to raise funds for research’’, Lynch says.
- Sign ups can be done here: https://www.wingsforlifeworldrun.com/en/locations
