Where will you be on Sunday, May 8th, 2016? I know where I will be! Niagara Falls was once again chosen to be part of the Canadian portion of a global race sponsored by Red Bull that raises money for spinal injury, called the Wings for Life World Run. The best part? 100% of the entry fee proceeds go to Spinal Cord Research. In 2015, Wings for Life raised $4.2 million for research.
Wings for Life World Run chooses Niagara Falls once again because “the majestic Niagara Falls will give runners in Canada a truly awe-inspiring backdrop to start their World Run journey. Not only one of the nation’s most cherished landmarks, Niagara Falls is officially recognized as one of the Seven Natural Wonders of North America. Niagara Falls is an international tourist destination and one of the top entertainment destinations in the region boasting vibrant nightlife, shopping and restaurants. Beyond the falls, the Niagara region boasts some of Canada’s most renowned vineyards that stretch for miles along the shores of Lake Ontario. The truly scenic beauty of the region and level terrain make Niagara a runner’s paradise. With close proximity to Canada’s largest city Toronto and also bordering the United States, runners can be expected from far and wide for a chance to run with the world”. – www.wingsforlifeworldrun.com
34 cities in different countries from across the world will simultaneously begin this race at 7:00 am EST time. There is no official finish line, because this race is very unique. Sponsored by Red Bull, the goal is to try to stay ahead of “catcher cars” equipped with GPS. There is no set race distance, as the finish for all participants will be reached when each participant is overtaken by the catcher car that will be on course at each event location. At 7:30 am EST, the catcher car will cross the start line and drive the race track. Each catcher car in every event location will start at the same time and maintain the exact same pace. Over time, each catcher car in every event location will increase pace simultaneously until the final participant is passed and a global winner is declared. The overall winners of all races worldwide will be the final female and final male participant who covers the greatest distance before being passed by the car. The winners will receive a Wings for Life World Run trophy and a round-the-world trip! Once you are passed, your race is over and you will be courteously shuttled back to the start line where you may celebrate with the others.
The catcher cars will begin at a pace of 15 km/hour, slowly increasing until they reach 35 km/hour and the last participant is passed.
The Niagara Falls Course
The Wings for Life World Run in Niagara Falls starts at Kingsbridge Park. The route then heads north on the Niagara Parkway along the picturesque Niagara River for 4 kilometers. At the intersection of Murray St. and Niagara Parkway, participants will then head south along Niagara Parkway, passing the majestic Niagara Falls twice. Participants will continue along Niagara Parkway for 17 kilometers, then head west into the town of Fort Erie. The track then follows a series of rural country roads, looping through 3 different districts including Niagara Falls, Welland, and Thorold. The run ends at the 100 kilometer mark just north of historic Lundy’s Lane. Refreshment stations and bus stops will be located every 5 kilometers along the route, where participants who have been passed by the catcher car will be shuttled back to the start gate at Kingsbridge Park.
About Wings for Life
Wings for Life is an international not-for-profit spinal cord research foundation with the mission to find a cure for spinal cord injury. They fund world-class scientific research and clinical trials around the globe aimed at healing the injured spinal cord.
For online registration click here or visit them online for more information at www.wingsforlifeworldrun.com
Follow them on Facebook: WingsForLifeWorldRun
Follow them on Twitter: WFLWorldRun
Accommodations
If you are traveling from out-of-town to take part in the Wings for Life World Run, you will want to stay at a location close to the event, as well as central to all of Niagara’s best attraction and dining facilities to visit on your stay. Choose from a large list of Niagara Falls Hotels here.
Clifton Hill Attractions
Visit Clifton Hill to feel the excitement of Niagara Falls, and its popular tourist attractions. Stroll just one block to see the Falls, ride the Hornblower Niagara Cruises, or visit the world-famous Niagara SkyWheel. Get your Clifton Hill Fun Pass today and save up to $30 on admissions on six fabulous attractions!
Clifton Hill is known around the world as the “Street of Fun by the Falls”, and we are the main entertainment district. We strive on providing you with a wide variety of family fun activities and attractions to keep you busy and coming back for more.
Bring the whole family with you while you embark on the Wings for Life World Run, and afterwards visit Clifton Hill to take in some excitement while saving BIG with our online deals on attractions and dining.