5,000 runners sought for charity ‘chase race’ against international field

Entries are being accepted for one of the most unique races ever held in which runners in Kerry will take on 150,000 competitors simultaneously tackling 40 different routes around the world.

The Wings for Life World Runis a charity fundraiser based on a fascinating concept. Forty different races will be held from America’s Pacific coast to Taiwan.

Every single runner will begin at the same time and 30 minutes after the starters’ pistols fire synchronised pacing cars will set off from each of the venues to steadily catch up on the field.

As the pace cars pass each person that runner’s race is over. Eventually, as the cars simultaneously bear down on the leaders in each of the 40 locations, only one person will still be ahead of the pack.

That person will win the truly, and uniquely, international competition. The organisers expect the elite runners to put up to 80km of the Ring of Kerry behind them before they are caught by the race car and are eliminated.

Five thousand people will be allowed to enter the leg around the Ring of Kerry, which will take place on May 4.

The California competitors will take off at 3am local time while in Kerry the proceedings begin at a more civilised 11am.

Every cent of income generated from registration fees around the world will go towards Wings for Life research into finding cures for spinal injuries.

The event is being sponsored internationally by Red Bull. The Irish Examiner is its media partner in Ireland.

Sports Minister Leo Varadkar said the event is as daunting as it is intriguing.

“I’m delighted to see Ireland taking part in this pioneering athletics event. The Wings for Life World Run 2014 sets down a gruelling challenge to Irish runners, but I’m confident they’re equal to the task,” he said.

Runners can register on www.wingsforlife.com/registration. It will cost €40 to enter before the end of January and afterwards registration will be €48. Prices will rise again in April for latecomers.