A host of Motocross riders compete in the Wings for Life World run
In the absence of competitions, many (motor) athletes look for their challenges elsewhere! More than 77,000 runners participated in the Wings for Life World run today. Lars Van Berkel was the big star among the racers. The powerhouse from Veghel ran no less than 40.5 km before the virtual ‘catcher car’ overtook him!
Beforehand, Van Berkel had set his goal at 34 km, in tribute to his trainer Joël Roelants. In the end, however, he far exceeded this distance. After all, Lars continued after the official finish and thus covered the marathon distance of 42.2 km. Talk about a top performance!
However, Van Berkel was not the only rider with a set of good runners legs! Glenn Coldenhoff, Sven van der Mierden and Rene Hofer also covered over 20 kilometers! However, the team trophy goes to the Nestaan Husqvarna MX boys because both Jed Beaton and Thomas-Kjer Olsen and team manager Rasmus Jorgensen participated and recorded good results. MXMAG editor Tom Jacobs also achieved his goal. He went for 10 km, but eventually ran 14.50 km.
It goes without saying that not everyone took this virtual challenge equally seriously. The Wings for Life World Run is an unmissable appointment for pure endurance athletes. British ex-triathlete Michael Taylor ran a fantastic 69.9 km and won with the men. The Russian Nina Zarina was the strongest among the ladies, she covered 54.2 km. Another great achievement. Mathilde, Marvin Musquin’s wife, reached 18.8 km before the catcher car overtook her. Marlies Dictus did almost as well! She set a new personal best with 17.38 km.
Here is an overview of some famous names and their achievements today:
Marten Van Riel (Bel – triathlon) 42.7 km
Lars van Berkel (Ned – MX) 40.5 km
Rene Hofer (Oos – MX) 27.2 km
Glenn Coldenhoff (Ned – MX) 25.9 km
Jed Beaton (Aus – MX) 24.9 km
Nathan Watson (GBR – enduro) 24.1 km
Thierry Neuille (Bel – rally) 22.3 km
Sven Van der Mierden (Ned – MX) 22.2 km
Thomas Kjer Olsen (Den – MX) 22 , 1 km
Rasmus Jorgensen (Den – coach) 22.1 km
Bart Nelissen (Ned – coach) 20 km
Mathilde Musquin (Fra) 18.8 km
Cyril Despres (Fra – rallyraid) 18.7 km
Marlies Dictus (Ned – MX) 17.8 km
Seppe Smits (Bel – snowboard) 14.7 km
Wout Van Aert (Bel – cyclocross) 14.2 km
Joël Smets (Bel – coach) 11 km
Graham Jarvis (GBR- enduro) 10.3 km
In total, the Wings for Life World Run raised 2.8 million euros for research into spinal cord injuries! Congratulations to all participants.
Pics: Lars Van Berkel and other riders social media
