東京都　神宮外苑 神宮外苑(Jingu Gaien）

What is the Wings for Life World Run?

The Wings for Life World Run is a truly unique and global race for both runners and wheelchair participants. Instead of a finish line, competitors race side by side to keep ahead of the Virtual Catcher Car. Now in its eleventh year, on May 5, 2024 Wings for Life World Run participants in Japan can also run together in 東京都　神宮外苑. Meet up with your friends, download the Wings for Life World Run App and join all the other people running until the Virtual Catcher Car catches you of course. The race starts at exactly 8:00:00 PM. The Virtual Catcher Car takes off 30 minutes after the start at 14 km/h and steadily increases its speed until the last athletes have been caught. 100% of all donations and the entry fees go directly into spinal cord research projects.

Track

The special course this time is a flat and easy-to-loop course that starts from the gingko tree-lined street in Meiji Jingu Gaien of Meiji Shrine and turns around at the Gondawara intersection in a distance of about 1 km. The gingko tree-lined street at the starting point is a beautiful row of approximately 300 gingko trees planted along the perimeter of the Meiji Jingu Gaien of Meiji Shrine, extending for about 700 meters.

It is said that this gingko tree-lined street was planted during the Meiji era and now attracts many tourists in autumn when the gingko leaves turn into a beautiful golden color. Moreover, this avenue was selected as a route for the Tokyo Olympic torch relay, and its beautiful scenery has become widely known around the world.

The Meiji memorial picture Gallery is illuminated from 7:30 pm, and the white outer walls of the building stand out beautifully while the warm light leaking out from the illuminated windows lights up the surroundings. The night view of the Miji memorial picture Gallery seen from the gingko tree-lined street in the Meiji Jingu Gaien of Meiji Shrine is a beautiful sight where nature and culture merge, creating a fantastic and mysterious atmosphere, despite being located in the center of Tokyo. It is a course where runners can enjoy a beautiful night view that is different from usual while running.

The climate in May is relatively mild and comfortable. The temperature averages around 15 to 20 degrees Celsius, but it may drop slightly at night, which makes it a comfortable temperature for running. However, as the body cools down after running, please be careful not to forget to bring a jacket or something to keep yourself warm.

As the event is held at night, running while playing loud noises or music or cheering is prohibited

The starting point is in front of the Jingu Softball Stadium Fountain.　Please note that this is different from the starting point in the app.

Wheelchair participants

On May 5, 2024 wheelchair participants and runners start side by side at this track. The only requirement: wheelchair participants have to start in everyday wheelchairs.

Refreshment station and local set up

Yes, this track has a refreshment station! You will find the following on site: It will be course aid station. The aid station ,Red Bull ,water.

Timing and race number

You will receive your personal race number via email and it’s also available next to your starting number on the website a couple of days before the race. The Wings for Life World Run App is your time tracking tool. The Virtual Catcher Car takes off 30 minutes after the start and as soon as it overtakes you, you will get clear signals via the App. Please make sure to have a fully charged phone on race day.

Your contribution to help find a cure

In order to join this App Run Event, please download the Wings for Life World Run App for Android or iPhone and sign up for race day in the App. To be part of the Wings for Life World Run on May 5, 2024 a registration fee will be charged; 100% of your fee go to spinal cord research. After you completed your registration for race day, you can join this App Run Event.