On Sunday, 4 May, 2025, the Wings for Life World Run takes off at locations across the globe. Participants will be looking to break the run’s own record as the world’s largest and most inclusive running event.
With only a few more registrations needed to pass the current record of 265,818 participants, you can be part of an achievement that is especially momentous because 100% of entry fees go to promising spinal cord research.
About the run
The Wings for Life World Run has a unique format where people of all fitness levels succeed as they are chased by the beloved “Catcher Car” moving finish line. Participants worldwide start simultaneously and run either individually with the Wings for Life World Run App or together in one of several Flagship Runs until the Catcher Car passes them to complete their race.
Best of all, 100% of entry fees and donations goes directly to spinal cord research. In the editions of the Wings for Life World Run that have been completed to date, a total of 1,559,534 registered participants from 195 nationalities ran, walked and rolled on all seven continents and together raised a total of €51.93 million (R1.1 billion) to find a cure for spinal cord injury. With the funds raised, the Wings for Life foundation has been able to fund 213 research projects so far, including clinical trials that have seen participants regain function in their hands and even begin to walk again.
In 2024 alone, the 265,818 participants that came together for the Wings for Life World Run reconfirmed its status as the largest running event in the world and covered a cumulative distance of 2,036,495 km. To put the achievement into perspective, that’s equivalent to over five trips to the moon; but the €8,100,000 (R172 695 078,00) that they raised is making the biggest impact, because it’s already at work in exciting research and clinical trials.
Where to join in South Africa
Cape Town: Start in Vlei Rd, in front of the Green Point Athletics Track. Participants will head towards the DHL Cape Town Stadium, where they will turn right and cross over the Forecourt into the Underpass. From there they will head towards the East Gate of the Green Point Park. It will be a scenic run through the park and then back towards the stadium via Bay Rd
Centurion: The App Run Event will take place inside the Agricultural Research Council (ARC) farm in Irene. It will be an out and back lap route of approximately 6km, all on tarred roads on the farm. Participants will return to the race village on foot.
Port Elizabeth: Participants will start on the lawns next to the ocean, near Sharks Pier at Hobie Beach. The route heads east, following the renowned footpaths of the region. After approximately 1km, runners will turn around near the Something Good Roadhouse before heading back, passing the finish line, and continuing along the coastal pathway to the next turnaround point at the 3km mark. At this point, participants will enter a dedicated lane on Marine Drive for 1km, before turning off to start their next lap. The lap is approximately 4.5km.
All three locations have refreshment stations stocked with water and Red Bull to keep participants hydrated and energized throughout the run.
Andrew Geyser seen in a Wings for Life World Run. Picture Craig Kolesky / Red Bull Content Pool
Run with sporting stars
Each year, the Wings for Life World Run draws stars from sports, as well as entertainment, who are eager to support the cause.
This year, Jürgen Klopp, the iconic football manager who is Red Bull’s Head of Global Soccer, is taking part for the first time and has even formed a team that anyone can join. “This is my first time participating in the Wings for Life World Run, and already I love it because it’s about people coming together to do something extraordinary. In this case, people are coming together from all over the world to help find a cure for spinal cord injury – it’s amazing!”
How to follow the run
It’s easy to follow friends and family who are running for those who can’t by going to the Wings for Life World Run Live Experience 2025 at www.wingsforlifeworldrun.com. Track them, cheer them with audio stickers, spot them in live video feeds and feel part of the event through interviews and more.
In a nutshell
Participate in the Wings for Life World Run
Where: Simultaneously around the world
On Sunday, May 4, 2025
Registration will remain open until one hour before the start time at 13h00
Info: www.wingsforlifeworldrun.com