Was an event happening yesterday in 34 countries around the world and all I can say that I am proud I participated.
In Croatia the run was in Zadar, starting at the Greeting to the Sun (I find the name strange in English but that’s how they call it on their site) and then it went on by the coast towards south.
The naive me thought that meant we would be running along the sea coast but that wasn’t the case. Still, it was a good run (you could see the sea in the distance and sometimes close by).
Now I see I started talking about things I didn’t plan on. ๐
What I wanted to say is that we were all running for people who can’t. That was the motto of the race: Running for those who can’t.ย
All the money is going into research of spinal damage and when they say all, they do actually mean all. All entry fees are being pooled into the fund, the event was funded by Red Bull and no amount of fee is being appropriated for the cost of organizing the races.
Being part of an event like this was very important to me because I have a friend who broke his neck two years ago and although his recovery was miraculous (he was only 17 at the time), he is someone who, unless they find a magical cure, will never run. So my run was for him.
The next year’s event is already planned for May 3. I urge you all to participate because it’s the most unusual race.
You run as much as you can. Because the Catcher car starts chasing you half an hour after the start and once it passes you by, the race is over for you. ๐

The winner in Zadar being caught by car (also, the main trainer in my club – we are all so proud) Pic stolen from Wings for Life Croatia Facebook site
The good thing is that it doesn’t mean you have to run back, you only need to get to the nearest shuttle stop and the buses are there to take you back.
It makes for quite an experience. ๐
And here are some pics, some made by my fellow runnersย website andย oneย mine.
Tagged: race, Red Bull, running, Wings for Life World Run, Zadar
Amazing Ines!! Well done. Watched a great documentary on Servus (Red Bull TV) and really wished I had taken part. Next time ….. ๐
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Thank you! ๐ And I hope you do take part.
I just got their newsletter this morning and we managed to collect 3 000 000 Euros for the fund! Yaaay for us! ๐
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What a wonderful cause, and I love all the photos, Ines!!
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Thank you Carol! It was specially close to my heart. ๐
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Many congratulations on your run Ines and what a great cause.
It sounds really well organised. Never heard of a Catcher car before!
Wishing all the best for your friend.
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Thank you dear Tara! ๐
I don’t think there ever was a race like this before – where you get caught and therefore the race is over for you. But it’s so much fun. And you should see how everyone speeds up when the car approaches. ๐
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It really sounds like that makes it a lot of fun. Nice that you don’t feel forced to do the whole thing or feel like a failure too. Really great idea. Hopefully it will catch on. And hurrah for the shuttle buses back to the start!
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Ines, as you know, I’m way behind on my blog reading so I hadn’t seen your new banner. It looks really great!
And as for your run, congratulations on participating in this event. I’ll probably sound like I’m living under a rock when I say I hadn’t heard of it before, so you’ve educated me. All of the money going to research is very impressive, and the way they run the race with the catcher car is unique. Very cool! Loved your photos (and loved hearing about the friend that you ran for).
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Thanks Suzanne! I really like the new look (Asali did the photo, I just did some photoshopping).
The race was held at 3 places in US as well – a great event in any case.
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You look fantastic, and I’m so proud of you (knowing that you once thought you could not be a runner). Well done!
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Thank you! ๐ Yes, it all changed.
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I am in awe! : -) (I really dislike running).
You all looked great.
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Thank you! I used to think running wasn’t for me, but obviously that is no longer true. ๐ It makes me really happy.
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Excellent job – I have also never heard of a van that catches you up, but I guess it is a good incentive to keep running!
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Yes, you wouldn’t believe how fast you can run once you see it. ๐
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