November 6, 2024
Swedish-American pole vaulter and Olympic Champion Armand “Mondo” Duplantis is joining the ranks of global ambassadors for the Wings for Life World Run, the largest running event in the world, that aims to support spinal cord research on an international scale.
With this announcement, Duplantis becomes part of an inspiring roster of ambassadors that includes global icons such as Neymar Jr., Siya Kolisi, Lindsey Vonn, and Karsten Warholm. The 12th edition of the Wings for Life World Run, the largest running event in the world, will take place on May 4, 2025, bringing together hundreds of thousands of participants worldwide who will run “for those who can’t.”
The 80/20 Snapshot:
Mondo Duplantis on Advocacy: The Olympic Champion shares his commitment to the Wings for Life World Run, emphasising the importance of raising awareness for spinal cord research and the event’s unifying spirit.
Global Participation: Over 30 start-line locations have been confirmed for the 2025 event, with more expected as registration opens on November 6, 2024.
Mission to Support Research: The Wings for Life World Run aims to raise funds for spinal cord research, with registration fees directly contributing to finding a cure.
Call to Action: Mondo encourages everyone to get involved, emphasising the sense of community and the impact of participating in the run.
Event Date: The run will take place worldwide on May 4, 2025, with participants running “for those who can’t.”
Deep Dive:
Duplantis, known for breaking records and captivating the world with his athletic prowess, now brings his passion for helping others to a cause close to his heart. To highlight his dedication to the cause, he shares his thoughts on what it means to be an ambassador for the Wings for Life World Run, his connection to the mission, and his call for others to get involved in the movement.
Q: What does becoming an ambassador for the Wings for Life World Run mean to you?
Mondo: Being an ambassador for Wings for Life World Run means a tremendous amount to me. I think it’s such an outstanding initiative, such an inspiring event, and being able to participate in it in the past few years has been incredible. I think it brings people together in such a great way. Now, being able to have a slightly bigger role for such an important cause is really fulfilling. And I think this year will be no exception.
Q: How do you feel about people from around the world uniting for the same cause, running together worldwide “for those who can’t,” on May 4? And what motivates you to take part in this run?
Mondo: The run is such an impactful and meaningful event, and I think that the whole concept of running for those who can’t and supporting spinal cord research is crucial. It’s something that doesn’t always get enough attention, so this event raises awareness for a very important cause. That’s what makes Wings for Life and this World Run a lot different from anything I’ve ever been a part of, and it encourages me and excites me to be involved more, in a bigger capacity. It’s a beautiful event.
Q: In your view, what role do athletes play in advocating for causes like the Wings for Life World Run, and how can they inspire others to join the cause?
Mondo: The event is so beautifully diverse; you see all walks of life, you see the best athletes at the very top of their sport participating, and you see people with regular jobs taking part. We’re all there participating, competing, and enjoying this wonderful sense of community for the same cause. We’re all running for something much bigger than ourselves, and that’s what makes it so powerful.
Q: What would you say to someone hesitant to join the Wings for Life World Run? How can they overcome doubts and get involved?
Mondo: For anybody that’s on the fence about it – I really can’t encourage you enough to give it a try. Once you experience the sense of community, the energy, and just how incredible this cause and the event are, you’ll be hooked, and you’ll want to do it every single year. So I strongly encourage everybody to sign up for this year’s Wings for Life World Run. I promise you, it’s it’s going to be amazing.
– With registration opening on November 6, 2024, over 30 start-line locations have been confirmed for the 2025 Wings for Life World Run, with many more expected to be added as race day approaches. Following the remarkable participation of over 350 locations in the 2024 event, this growing number underscores the global enthusiasm for the Wings for Life World Run.
– Known for its unique format where participants are chased by a moving finish line called the Catcher Car, this event is open to everyone – whether running, walking, or rolling in a wheelchair. Registration fees directly fund research to find a cure for spinal cord injury, making every participant a contributor to a life-changing cause.
– For those who register by December 31, 2024, there’s a bonus: a free six-month Premium membership to the Adidas Running app, which includes a specialised training plan tailored for the Wings for Life World Run.
– On May 4, 2025, participants worldwide will once again set off at precisely 11:00 am UTC, either at one of the seven Flagship Run cities or through the Wings for Life World Run App. Key locations announced include iconic destinations such as New York City, Hong Kong, Dubai, Cape Town, Melbourne, and Vancouver, along with a Flagship Run in cities like Vienna, Munich, and Ljubljana.
– The Wings for Life World Run is the largest and most inclusive running event in the world, embracing participants of all fitness levels. In 2024 alone, more than 265,000 participants from 169 countries collectively raised €8,104,499 for spinal cord research, covering a total distance equivalent to nearly 50 times around the globe.
For more information on Wings for Life and to register for the Wings for Life World Run, visit: www.wingsforlifeworldrun.com