Wings for Life World Run (Melbourne)

Wings for Life World Run (Melbourne)

Sunday 7^th May 2017

https://live.wingsforlifeworldrun.com/en

Wings for Life is an international not-for-profit spinal cord research foundation. Our mission is to find a cure for spinal cord injury. We fund world-class scientific research and clinical trials around the globe aimed at healing the injured spinal cord. 100% of your entry fee goes to life-changing research projects aimed at healing the injured spinal cord. All administrative costs of the event and foundation are covered by Red Bull. 

Melbourne Start Time is 9.00pm!

Event hub

The Event Hub will be located at Patterson Reserve Auburn Road, Hawthorn East. The Event Hub will feature race check-in, bib and event kit collection, food & beverage stalls, bag drop, first aid, music and entertainment.

Event Kit

Wings for Life World Run Melbourne 2017 participants will receive an awesome event kit bag including;

•    Official #safetyyellow technical event t-shirt and sash

•    Led Lenser NEO headlamp

•    Space blanket (to take with you while you run).

•    Red Bull can

Buses On Course

We have a new bus plan for 2017, changes are as follows:

We’ll have more buses out there on the road ready to pick you up when you’ve been caught by the Catcher Car. There will be team members allocated to each bus who will help passengers on and off each bus. The buses this year will start out on the course. This means they’ll be ready at various points throughout the Monash Freeway to pick up passengers. There will be additional buses located on the route to assist when required with any potential back log. We’ve also streamlined the drop off system, which will allow for buses to return and re-load quicker. There will also be additional buses located on the route. You must either stop where you finish your run or move forward along the run course route until collected. 

Aid Stations

Stations will be located on runners’ right-hand side, at approximately every 5KM along the course. These refuelling stations will have water, Red Bull, 50/50 (Red Bull/water), bananas, toilets and are manned with staff and volunteers. At every second station, approximately every 10KM, there will be First Aid support available on top of the above mentioned items.

Event Schedule

12:00pm Bib collection and event kit collection opens

7:00pm Bib collection and event kit collection closes

7:40pm Official warm up on stage

8:00pm MCs send waves per bib colour to the start line.

9:00pm Global Wings for Life World Run START 

9:30pm Catcher Car leaves the start line at 15KM per hour

10:30pm Catcher Car increases speed to 16KM per hour

11:30pm Catcher Car increases speed to 17KM per hour

12:30am Catcher Car increases speed to 20KM per hour

2:30am Catcher Car increases speed to 35KM per hour

Pre-race - 

I previously entered Wings for Life World Run in 2015 and 2016 (see previous race reports). 

In 2015, Brad and I decided to participate because of the cause; to raise awareness and funds for spinal cord damage. We were inspired by Josh Wood (if you don’t know Josh Wood, watch this clip; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=plbvGIDrfew). My good friend (Kelly-Ann Varey), flew down from Canberra to run in the event and amazingly she won the title of 1^st female in Australia! Despite a few teething problems; waiting for buses and a serious lack of atmosphere for the winners (by the end everyone had left)… we had an awesome night! The whole concept was different and exciting. We were running away from the Catcher Car instead of towards a finish line, and we were running in spirit with like-minded people all over the world. Brad and I ran 16km together.

In 2016, I was asked to be an ambassador. Of course, I said yes! The months leading up to it, I was involved in promotions and events. The Red Bull team were great and we achieved a record number of participants (about 3,500). I ran with a friend majority of the way and finished with 25km. The location had moved from a suburban road to the Monash Freeway. There were some issues, particularly buses taking a long time to reach retired runners. And due to typical Melbourne weather, many people struggled with the cold. The other disadvantage was the event fell on Mother’s Day, which deterred some families.

This time (2017), I was very happy to stay on as an ambassador. Wings for Life World Run was bigger and more well-known. A few months prior, I began personal training Irwin Vale (to learn more about Irwin, watch this video; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q7_MRZIudhI). I met Irwin through his mum, who is a Fernwood member (where I work). I truly believe we were meant to meet. I introduced Irwin to Jericho (ambassador co-ordinator) and he was offered an ambassador role. Also, Irwin already knew Josh Wood. The pieces of the puzzle were coming together. And I’m grateful to be part of it. Around the same time, I began a Fernwood Mornington Run Club and recruited about 30 participants in my team (360 Running). Again, the Red Bull team were great, the momentum was growing and I was really excited.

Race day -

After concluding mum duties, I made my way into the city for our ambassador lunch. I was excited to pick up Kelly-Ann (as a fellow ambassador, Kelly flew down to run and support the event again). Lunch was a buzz; I met new people and saw some familiar faces too. I had a great chat with Ursula (sister of Erica from Running Divas). As well as Tim Crosbie, Kirstin Bull, Kelly and Irwin. After lunch, I headed to The Blackman Hotel. Red Bull offered us accommodation for the night, which was fantastic (and appreciated given that we were expected to arrive home about 2am)!

I met Brad at The Blackman and we organised our race gear. The weather forecast was cold, cold, cold with a chance of rain and possibly snow (OK, maybe I’m exaggerating slightly). My point is, I was worried about feeling too cold. I wore a singlet, long-sleeve top, Wings for Life reflective top and two jackets, I also wore two pair of long pants. We arrived at the race hub about 7pm and mingled with fellow runners. I planned to meet the Fernwood Run Club at 8pm. Also, I was looking out for friend and client (Ricci) because I arranged to pace her for 21km. Brad wanted to run 21km too however he was battling a calf injury. We agreed to start together and if Brad stopped, I’d continue on with Ricci. The only problem was I couldn’t find Ricci… being dark made it difficult to see people.

I found Irwin and touched base about his goal to walk 500m. We’d been working hard each session and Irwin had walked just over 400m in 30 minutes. I knew his dad and others were walking with him, but there were so many variables like rain, wind and lack of light. And only two lanes were closed, which allowed for traffic to pass on the left hand side. I really hoped Irwin could achieve his goal!

Just before 8pm, I gave up a layer of clothing and organised my headlamp! I caught up with the Fernwood crew and took some happy snaps. And I finally found Ricci! Ricci and I had never run together but I was more than happy to run with her (and Brad). Our goal was 5:20min/km. The announcer requested all runners gather in their assigned start sections. We joined other competitors in Section 2 and cheered on the speedy runners in Section 1 as they moved onto the Monash Freeway. Within a few minutes, we were also lined up on the Freeway. The announcer instructed us to stay in the right lane and explained the Catcher Car would come through on the left. After being caught, we were to continuing moving forwards to the next aid station. Buses would be located at set points and additional buses were available.

The temperature was cold and misty rain started to fall. But the vibe was high and the atmosphere was motivating, as we waited for 9pm to tick over. Everyone was pumped as the announcer yelled “WORLD” and we responded in unison with “RUN!” Soon we would be running with over 100,000 participants all over the world! And we were all there to run for those who can’t!

The countdown began… 5-4-3-2-1 and we were off! The moment I began running, I thought about Irwin… C’mon Irwin!

The first five kilometres were a little faster than 5:20min pace but I wasn’t surprised. Race day adrenaline kicked in! Despite a slight incline, we ran strong and reached 5km in 25:30. I ran between Ricci and Brad; we chatted at points and ran in silence other times. The rain was light and inconsequential.

From 5-10km we slowed down a fraction as the gradient intensified. I reassured Ricci we had time in the bank and were on target. We reached 10km in 52:30. Brad was running really well and although his calf was tight, he was OK. Brad stopped at drink stations along the way and Ricci had a gel and fuel from her hydration vest. I carried a gel but never had it (I generally don’t fuel on training runs less than 30km. I was treating this as a training run). I enjoyed running with Ricci and Brad.

I find running in the dark (and rain) mentally challenging for many reasons; the main reason is poor visibility. Usually I like seeing the faces of other runners and I like chatting. At night, my eyes struggle to adjust and I need to concentrate on foot placement. Each time I looked sideway… I ran sideways! There were cars passing us in the left lanes and spraying water off the road. There were puddles and some slippery sections (I saw two runners fall over). Another factor is daydreaming! When I run (even in a race) my mind wanders… I disconnect from everything around me. At night I concentrate more, which in turns means I focus on running being hard work! Pacing Ricci and Brad allowed me to focus on their goals and not think about running (that makes perfect sense, right?).

The next 5km took about 27min, which was marginally slower than desired. But I was completely confident we would reach our goal. I thought about Irwin… Did he reach his goal? I thought about Run Club… How were they feeling? Were they struggling with the hills or cold weather? Around 15km, I grabbed a cup of Red Bull and water from an aid station. I drank it quickly and continued running. About 1-2km further on, Brad and Ricci started slowing down. I raised the bar and weaved through a cluster of runners. All of a sudden, there was a downpour and I could hardly see anything! It was nuts! I had no idea where Brad and Ricci were… I put the breaks on and found them again. I checked our pace and knew we were close to our goal. At the 18km mark, I said we needed to pick up the pace. Brad said he was struggling and encouraged us to go ahead. Ricci and I pushed on. We were fortunate to have reached a downhill section and our speed improved significantly. Ricci asked me what the plan was after 21km… “Keep running” I replied.

Ricci and I achieved her 21km goal in 1:50:51 (5:17 pace)… Well done!

We continued running in the rain (we both agreed it was a better option than walking in the rain) and heard some noise behind us. The bikes came through saying, “We’re coming for you! The Catcher Car is coming!” I tempted Ricci with one last challenge; to reach 22km. We ran strong, as we saw the Catcher Car gaining on us. We officially completed 22km! Brad made 21km!

Post race -

After we stopped running, we continued walking until the next bus stop. Ricci was tired but happy. We were both cold and soaking wet, but using our space blankets helped (we were given space blankets in our packs and advised to take them with us). When we reached the aid station, volunteers were handing out water. Not long after, Brad caught up. We waited 10minutes for buses to arrive. There were volunteers to assist us on the bus and someone handing out lollies.

I checked my phone and saw that Irwin had surpassed his goal! (With support from his family and Josh.) EXTRAORDINARY! (I had happy tears!) Irwin walked over 500m after doctors said he would never walk again! CONGRATULATIONS Irwin… You should be very proud! A massive achievement!

When we exited the bus there was a strong presence of volunteers. There were free hot drinks and water. We were given directions to walk under the bridge and back to the hub. Brad headed straight for the bag drop area. We both needed to change into dry, warm clothes. We bumped into a few friendly faces and shared our experience. But quickly made our way to the car to defrost.

Race feedback and will there be a next time -

After last year I was concerned about the issue with the buses (we waited a very long time after finishing running, due to uncontrollable circumstances). However, this year was great! Red Bull listened to the feedback and made significant changes with buses already being on course. There was a much stronger volunteer presence. The volunteers were fantastic and friendly! Everything was organised and under control. We were advised to carry space blankets with us, which made a big difference (especially considering the weather). The event was safe, supported and fun. The atmosphere and vibe was energizing. And the Catcher Car was awesome! Most importantly, my role as an ambassador gave me an opportunity to raise awareness and funds for spinal cord damage (for people like Irwin and Josh). Thank you! And YES there will always be next year!

Special mention to the Fernwood Mornington Run Club... Well done on all your hard work and achieving your goals! I'm proud of you!

https://www.facebook.com/WingsForLifeWorldRun/

111 locations, 155,288 participants and 1,431,183km covered... Wings for Life World Run 2017 was beyond epic! Thank you all!

For more information about the Wings for Life Spinal Cord Research Foundation, follow this link;

http://www.wingsforlife.com/en/