Inspirational runner to lead Wings for Life

A VISUALLY impaired runner will be leading the field at the Wings for Life World Run that is taking place in Dun Laoghaire and in dozens of locations worldwide on Sunday, May 3.

Sinead Kane, who was born with just five per cent vision in each eye, will run alongside her aid John O’Regan, the Irish ultra runner and adventurer who was the winner of Wings for Life World Run last year.

Since she started running three years ago Sinead has competed in several long distance races including the 50k national championships and the Dublin Marathon, where she was the first visually impaired female to ever compete.

Her success at running is a testament to her determination, courage and ability to challenge herself despite her disability.

On Sunday, May 3 (12pm Irish time), John and Sinead will join thousands of runners in Brazil.

At the same time tens of thousands of runners of all abilities, fun runners and fanatics, young and old, will come together in Dun Laoghaire and in over 40 locations to run the Wings for Life World Run.

Sinead said John had been instrumental in helping her achieve her running goals.

“Having a guide who trains and runs with me is vital,

? she said.

“Without John, I wouldn’t be able to competitively compete in long distance races.

“He is one of Ireland’s best-known long distance runners and it has been a privilege for me to run with him over the last couple of months.

“I am delighted to be invited to run in the Wings for Life World Run with John. It is a very unique race that raises awareness and funding for spinal cord research.

?

John also paid tribute to his running partner.

“Sinead is an outstanding runner and I have been very fortunate to train with her over the last few months,

? he said.

“While she only started running a few years ago, she has achieved more in that time than most Irish runners.

“As the winner of last years Wings for Life World Run race, I have the opportunity to run in one of 35 locations worldwide and I am delighted that Sinead will be running alongside me.

“When the world run starts in Dun Laoghaire on May 3, I’ll be at the start line with Sinead in Brazil. I would encourage all Irish runners of all abilities to join thousands of runners and register now for this very unique race.

?

The Wings for Life World Run is a very unique race in that the finish line catches you.

Thirty minutes after the athletes start, a catcher car, driven by Irish and Munster rugby player, Simon Zebo will begin to follow all runners.

The winner will be deemed the last person to be caught by the car, both in Ireland and globally.

Registration is now open for everyone on WingsForLifeWorldRun.com. All of the

?¬20 entry fee will go directly to Spinal Cord Injury research.