More than 500 people have signed up for the Wings for Life World Run in Dubai next month and there’s still time to join them for this global charity event. The UAE leg of this unique event takes place on Sunday, May 3, at Dubai Autodrome.

– #Quiz360: Tuesday’s Teasers – WIN Real Madrid 2014/15 jersey
– Street workout: The sport that defies gravity debuts in Dubai
– TRY: #360fit: Five awesome outdoor workout spots in Dubai

The Wings for Life World Run is an entirely new concept, encompassing a total of 35 locations across the world, everyone runs at the same time with the aim of raising money.

The run begins at 15:00 and Chris Khouri, Dubai-based Wings for Life ambassador, who suffers from a spinal cord injury, insists it’s something that stands out from other running events.

“Half an hour after the runners have started, a car will chase the runners and every 15 minutes it increases its speed,” explained Khouri.

“Every time the car overtakes the runner, they will have to stop running. Whoever outruns the car the furthest wins the race.

“The reason it’s at that time (15:00) is because we are running at the same time when the rest of the world is still running which makes this very unique.”

By taking part, the full entry fee (Dh150) will be donated to the Wings for Life Foundation which funds research into curing spinal injury.

“It’s a worldwide running race to raise money and attention for the scientists driven by finding a cure for spinal cord injury,” added Khouri.

“One hundred per cent of all registration fees, proceeds, sponsorships and donations, worldwide, will help find that cure.”

The race is open to people of all abilities and fitness levels, and Khouri insists it’s not one to be missed.

“I want people to run here because they will be running for a cause for those who are not able to run,” said Khouri. “It’s going to be a fun run, there will be a great atmosphere and there will be a mix of athletes of different abilities.”

He added: “Dubai is the only host city in the Middle East, and is the perfect place to have an exciting event such as the World Run.

“Everyone that will run with us will be personally contributing to bettering the life of someone with a spinal cord injury. “Every little step counts towards bringing hope to millions of people around the world who cannot walk.”

Emirates NBD and Nissan Middle East are among the partners for this year’s edition. And Vikram Krishna, head of group marketing and customer experience of Emirates NBD, said: “Emirates NBD is proud to lend support to this worthy cause that resonates strongly with our own programmes to support individuals with special needs.

“As a true partner in this endeavour, the bank is launching a pledge campaign to encourage our customers and employees to participate in the run.”

And Monal Zeidan, regional marketing director of Nissan Middle East, said: “We are pleased to partner with the Wings for Life Foundation and support such a worthwhile event.

“We are honoured to be supporting the Wings or Life World Run, especially that Dubai is the only city in the Middle East to host it, alongside other world class events.”

What: Wings for Life World Run, Dubai
Where: Dubai Autodrome
When: Sunday, May 3, at 15:00
Contact: www.wingsforlifeworldrun.com