Training for the Wings for Life World Run just got easier with Suunto

Partnership with the global race to find a cure for spinal cord injury has sparked a new “Catcher Car” training feature on Suunto 5 and Suunto 9 watches starting September 15, 2020.

An innovative new watch feature designed to support runners training for the annual Wings for Life World Run has resulted from a partnership between sports watch brand Suunto and the unique global race.

Wearers of the GPS sport watches produced in Finland and participants in the worldwide race to raise funds for spinal cord injury research have a lot in common. They love running and want to improve their performance at their favorite races, including the Wings for Life World Run. They also share a passion to find a cure for spinal cord injury.

Once each year, the Wings for Life World Run takes place simultaneously across the planet. There is no finish line. Instead, 30 minutes after the start, a Catcher Car begins its pursuit either physically at one of 12 Flagship Runs or virtually, when using the Wings for Life World Run App for participation. As the Catcher Car passes participants, their race is complete. And no matter what distance they achieve, they all make a difference, because 100% of all entry fees go to research to find a cure for spinal cord injury.

Ultra runner and Wings for Life World Run ambassador Ryan Sandes says the global race is close to his heart because he lives to run and yet so many people with spinal cord injuries no longer have that ability. “That’s why I’ve run in every Wings for Life World Run; I run for those that can’t,” says the Cape Town native. “Being chased by the Catcher Car anywhere, anytime thanks to this new watch feature is going to add an exciting new dimension to training!”

Suunto has a history of supporting the Wings for Life World Run and is now expanding its role to encourage more runners to enter the race and support a cause well worth sweating for. As part of the 2020-2021 partnership, a special update launched on September 15, 2020 in the SuuntoPlus™ section of Suunto 5 and Suunto 9 watch models. The new feature enables users to train against a digital version of the iconic Catcher Car, so they’re ready to take on the real thing come race day. They’ll see how far back the Catcher Car is, and the estimated distance and time duration left before it catches them. Right on their watch, any time, any season.

With Suunto wearers across the globe able to feel the thrill of running against the Catcher Car whenever they train, the new partnership will build awareness of spinal cord injury and the contribution runners can make to this important research just by signing up for the Wings for Life World Run. Visit the link below to register and secure a place in the Wings for Life World Run on May 9 2021. https://www.wingsforlifeworldrun.com/.

About the Wings for Life Spinal Cord Research Foundation

Worldwide, millions of people are dependent on a wheelchair after having sustained a spinal cord injury, most often as the result of a traffic accident or a fall. Wings for Life is a not-for-profit spinal cord research foundation with the single mission to find a cure for spinal cord injury. Since 2004, Wings for Life has funded life-changing research projects and clinical trials around the globe. While a cure is still to be found, steady progress has been made. Every step taken at the Wings for Life World Run is a step in the right direction, because 100% of entry fees and donations goes to spinal cord injury research www.wingsforlife.com.

About the Wings for Life World Run

On one day each year, the Wings for Life World Run is held across the globe in numerous Flagship locations and via the App. All participants start at the same time, worldwide. It doesn't matter whether they are professional athletes, fun runners or total beginners. There is no finish line. Instead, 30 minutes after the start, a Catcher Car begins pursuit, passing the runners and rollers one after the other either physically at one of 12 Flagship Runs or virtually when using the Wings for Life World Run App for participation. Results aren't measured in time, but in distance achieved. Best of all: 100% of entry fees and donations goes directly to spinal cord research and will help to find a cure for spinal cord injury. In six completed editions since 2014, the Wings for Life World Run has attracted more than 620,000 people from 193 nationalities to participate in more than 70 countries across all continents. 
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