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Simon Zebo has been announced as Race Ambassador of the Catcher Car for the 2015 Wings for Life World Run. Dan Sheridan/INPHO

5 reasons why you should take part in the world's most unique race*

*Arguably.

PLANET EARTH’S MOST unique race gets underway in less than a month and if you haven’t started training you’re going to be left behind, literally.

Over 50,000 have signed up for the event already which is unlike most others in the sense that there is no finish line – you run as far as you can, or until you are caught by a catcher car. More information on that here.

But before that, here are a few reasons why you should click register first!

1) It will motivate you to get training

No matter how far you plan on running on the day you want to do it in some level of comfort. While you’re training you’re getting fit — and maybe inspiring a few others to do the same.

2) You’ll be running for a very worthy cause

The Wings for Life World Run is a global event aimed at raising vital funds for spinal cord research so by running in it you’ll be doing your bit for those who aren’t as fortunate. Hence the slogan, ‘Running for those who can’t’.

3) You’ll be in a very strange and unique event

Dublin will be one of 35 venues where participants compete simultaneously against runners from all around the world. Huh?

The overall winner of the Wings for Life World Run is the man and woman who have covered the most distance before being reeled in by the Catcher Car. Last year, Ethiopian athlete Lemawork Ketama ran a staggering 78.57km in Austria — nearly two full marathons.

Even more remarkable, perhaps, was that he beat Remigio Huaman Quispe into second place by just 90 metres. Meanwhile, Elise Molvik comfortably won the women’s category as she covered a huge 54.79km in her native Norway.

4) You’ll challenge yourself

Setting a goal and achieving it is one thing, but doing so while raising money for others is very satisfying. Whatever distance event you decide to take part in, the satisfaction of taking on a challenge and completing it is huge and, in some cases, life-changing.

5) Broaden your horizons

Running this event is also quite unique in that the same race takes place around the world, so if you’re not in Ireland, you have a choice of many other locations.

Sometimes the lure of running an event in a place you’ve admired, but never been brave or organised enough to visit, can be the final kick in the backside to make you organise it.

Originally published at 18.18

This Irish woman is making all sorts of racing history at the moment>

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    Mute Mike Faherty
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    Aug 14th 2020, 12:16 PM

    This doesn’t make sense, as you do need to quarantine if travelling from the USA to UK at present. With the condensed nature of Fedex Cup leading into the remaining majors, the US Open and Masters, you could count on one hand the amount of American based golfers that will travel.

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    Mute Claudia O'Riordan
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    Aug 14th 2020, 2:51 PM

    @Mike Faherty: just ridiculous the idea. Hope they arrive 14 days earlier to quarantine. But doubt it will happen.

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    Mute Sean Dalton
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    Aug 14th 2020, 3:34 PM

    @Claudia O’Riordan: Us Open finishes 4 days before Irish, so they definitely wont be isolating for 14 days. As long as all players, caddies, coaches etc. keep getting tested as least once a week there shouldnt be a problem with anyone coming over

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    Mute Ardmore02
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    Aug 14th 2020, 7:26 PM

    @Sean Dalton: can’t see any American playing in it, nor can I see any of the big european players playing 3 days after us open which is off the back of fed ex cup playoffs.

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    Mute Fran O'Keeffe
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    Aug 14th 2020, 12:26 PM

    Open the pubs

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    Mute Canyon
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    Aug 14th 2020, 12:30 PM

    @Fran O’Keeffe: jaysus that’s original… haven’t seen anyone post that before.

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    Mute Pj
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    Aug 14th 2020, 12:57 PM

    @Canyon: even the man who can’t think, can say that.

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    Mute Fran O'Keeffe
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    Aug 14th 2020, 5:50 PM

    @Canyon: you want to get out more maybe the pub

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    Mute Denis White
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    Aug 14th 2020, 12:24 PM

    Hoped the old head of Kinsale would showcase it this year

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    Mute Darren Prince
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    Aug 14th 2020, 12:51 PM

    @Denis White: the old head is a fantastic venue but if the fog comes in, it would make for challenging viewing.

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    Mute Tony Mcgrath
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    Aug 14th 2020, 10:10 PM

    Elite athletes do not have to isolate in uk

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    Mute Patrick Newell
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    Aug 14th 2020, 2:25 PM

    Good call

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