Running for those who can’t - the annual 3am alarm has become ritual now. Back for its third year, we made Wings For Life bigger and better once again, thanks to our friends at Red Bull. The 4am start time didn’t change, but starting and finishing at the Red Bull Lounge meant we could have more inspirational people who have experienced first-hand the incredible work that Wings For Life funds and supports join us.

The app counted us down, and as more than 100 runners stormed towards the sea wall, the almost empty streets were filled with an electric atmosphere that only running in the middle of the night can bring, and in the knowledge that you’re running with thousands of others all over the world for an amazing cause.

In the glow of the False Creek lights, groups formed and high-fives were thrown out as the miles stacked up. As dawn broke, we were warned the chaser bikes had started, and so began the steady stream of runners heading back for breakfast, swapping stories of their morning along the way.

While most were already enjoying their post-run coffee, there were a handful of runners still battling it out against the bikes on the seawall, stacking up some incredible distances. A new Vancouver record was set with 48km from Craig Fowler, and the marathon distance was almost broken by two others.

Over breakfast, Mike Shaw spoke of his own experience of the Wings For Life program, and the huge impact it has had on his life as he recovered from a skiing injury. And while running at 4am with a huge group of runners is a lot of fun, it’s stories like his that are the reason we do it, and will continue to support Wings For Life in the future - running for those who can’t.

Thank you to everyone that came out and supported Wings for Life. Collectively we raised over $20,000 towards spinal cord injury research.