Tackling temperatures of 40°C+, more than 700 runners competed at the Dubai Autodrome on Monday, as the UAE, in unison with 32 other nations and 75,000 runners, took part in Wings for Life World Run.

With a global start time of 11.00 UTC (15:00 UAE), runners from around the world simultaneously set off – Dubai the sole representative of the Middle East. 

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The unique format of the race meant there was no finish line, instead a catcher car was dispatched to chase the contestants. 

For the UAE, Nissan supplied an X-Trail which was driven by the world record holder for the longest drift and Lebanese rally champion, Abdo Feghali.

All proceeds from the global run go to help find a cure for spinal cord injuries which affect nearly three million people around the world. 

The men’s division winner was Omani runner Sami Al Saidi who covered 45 kms and 336 globally. 

Skirmantas Sukackas claimed second position, having run 37.04 kms, while third place went to Demehin Adebanjo with 35.70.

“I know there are runners in so many countries competing at the same time and for such a great cause, but I reckon we did it tough in these temperatures,” said Al Saidi. “It must be over 40 degrees out here but it was all for a worthy cause and the concept of no finish line and just running until you’re passed by Abdo in the Nissan X-Trail is really unique.”

In the women’s division, Katie Sloane ran 30.08 kms and 284 globally while Ruthie Fischer covered 19.25 kms which was good enough for second place while third went to Patricia Gomez with 17.40 kms.

Visit www.wingsforlifeworldrun.com to learn more about the event.