A marathon training block generally has a set rhythm, depending on the athlete you would have a few easy weekday runs, maybe a speed session or two, but always the weekend long run. A Sunday morning early start, to catch the cool Johannesburg temperatures, is my long run day. But occasionally, a run comes along that disrupts that rhythm in the best way possible.
Last Sunday, I participated in my 5th Wings for Life World Run, a run that asks for something different, to benefit a great cause.
The 1 pm Start
For runners in South Africa, the global start time is 1pm. This being a huge departure from the typical 6am race start. Instead of my pre-dawn oats and quiet streets, I’m heading out after lunch as the full heat of the day kicks in.
This year, Johannesburg decided to add an extra challenge: the wind. It was a blustery afternoon, making the midday heat feel a bit more manageable but demanding extra effort on the occasional exposed bit of road.
The App Run Experience
With no Flagship run in South Africa or no nearby local event, I took part via the App Run. The “local” spirit was very much alive. As I looped through the neighbourhood, I spotted several other runners out in their Wings for Life shirts, all of us being chased by the same virtual catcher car. There’s a great sense of invisible community when you see someone else jogging along, knowing they’re fighting for the same global cause at the exact same moment.
The Final Push to Cape Town
Coming off my peak 32km long run the weekend before, last Sunday was a planned 21km effort. I structured my run by first doing a 10km “warm-up”, getting the legs moving before the Wings for Ling run officially started (thank goodness the app auto starts the race when 1pm ticks over).
Once the global clock began, I managed to stay ahead of the virtual catcher car for another 11.51km (my goal for this year was 10km). It was a solid effort that brought my total for the day to just over 21km. It feels good to have the bulk of the training block behind me. Time to move into the taper phase.
Why This Event Matters
Beyond the unique format, Wings for Life is about running for those who can’t. 100% of the entry fees go toward spinal cord research. This was my fifth time participating since 2020, and it has become a permanent fixture in my calendar. It’s a reminder that every kilometre we run is a privilege.
Looking Ahead
With my longest runs in this block done, the focus shifts entirely to the Cape Town Marathon (Just over a week away on the 24th of May 2026). The miles are done. Now, it’s about staying fresh and making sure everything is ready for that start line at the end of the month.
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