Participants perform during the Wings for Life World Run Flagship Run in Zadar, Croatia on May 05, 2025.
© Tomislav Moze for Wings for Life World Run
Fitness Training

Your top spots to join the Wings for Life World Run 2026

Race the finish line that chases you: The Wings for Life World Run is back, uniting runners worldwide in a one-of-a-kind charity event. Discover the best places to run this year!
Written by Emily Rooney
8 min readUpdated on
The Wings for Life World Run isn't just a race, it's a movement. With a unique format where runners worldwide start simultaneously and race against a Catcher Car instead of a finish line, it brings together athletes and amateurs, abled and wheelchair participants in the name of one cause - spinal-cord research.
Ahead of this year's Wings for Life World Run on May 10, 2026, we've brought together the most stunning, unique and exciting locations where participants can join the action - and be part of something unforgettable. Whether at an official Flagship Run or via the Wings for Life World Run app. From historic cities to breathtaking natural landscapes – and even Formula One factories – here's a look at some of the most iconic routes featured in this one-of-a-kind global race.
If you'd like to find an event closer to home, check out all the locations across the globe here.
01

Oracle Red Bull Racing, UK | Wings for Life World Run – App Run

A general view of the Red Bull Racing Factory on January 22, 2021 in Milton Keynes, England.

Milton Keynes is home to the Oracle Red Bull Racing Factory

© Mark Thompson – Getty Images/Red Bull Content Pool

Two exciting new F1-related App Run events have been added to the list of locations for this year's Wings for Life World Run; the first of which is the Oracle Red Bull Racing HQ in Milton Keynes, UK. Here the team will welcome fans and the wider public, offering the chance to run at the very facilities where their cars are designed, built and prepared for the grid.

Vibe

  • Energetic
  • Performance driven

Why run here

Side by side with team members from the F1 marque, runners of all abilities can experience the beating heart of world-class motorsport, getting the chance to visit MK7 and the warehouse before racking up the miles on the roads around the factory.

Course highlights

  • Visit one of the hubs of F1 excellence
  • View the warehouse and the factory grounds
  • Run alongside F1 team members

Good to know

  • Start time: 12pm local time
  • Terrain: Tarmac
  • Weather: Typically 15°C-17°C

How to register

➡️ Register for Milton Keynes by clicking here
02

Visa Cash App Racing Bulls, Italy | Wings for Life World Run – App Run

Visa Cash App RB F1 main buliding at the Visa Cash App RB F1 team factory in Faenza, Italy in May 2024.

Take a unique opportunity to visit the Racing Bulls' HQ

© Digital Lighthouse/Red Bull Content Pool

Similar to the App Run experience in Milton Keynes, a limited number of runners will get a unique chance to visit the base of the Racing Bulls in Faenza, Italy. As well as a loop through the surrounding area, participants will also get to stride past the rich motor-racing history housed within the factory itself.

Vibe

  • Perfect for F1 fans
  • Exclusive opportunity

Why run here

There's a 6km loop through the area around the factory, but runners will also visit the heritage area which includes rarely seen highlights such as Max Verstappen's first-ever F1 car and Sebastian Vettel's winning car from Monza 2008

Course highlights

  • See inside a location steeped in F1 history
  • Get exclusive access to legendary cars from the team's glittering past
  • Enjoy an after-party once the catcher car has got you

Good to know

  • Start time: 1pm local time
  • Terrain: Tarmac
  • Weather: Expected around 20°C-23°C

How to register

➡️ Register for Faenza by clicking here
03

Ljubljana, Slovenia | Wings for Life World Run – Flagship Run

Lots of joy at Wings for Life World Run in Ljubljana, Slovenia.

Lots of joy at Wings for Life World Run in Ljubljana, Slovenia

© Wings for Life World Run

Vibe

  • High energy
  • Big crowds

Why run here

A Flagship Run location for the Wings for Life World Run, Ljubljana is renowned for its sprawling green spaces. The capital of Slovenia is particularly picturesque thanks to its blend of medieval streets, striking castles and modern architectural marvels.

Course highlights

  • The famous central market
  • Ljubljanica river
  • Big screens showing a live broadcast of the event

Good to know

  • Start time: 1pm local time
  • Terrain: Tarmac
  • Weather: Daytime temperatures normally reach around 20°C
  • Registration: Online applications close on May 8, 2026 at 1:00pm local time if the runner limit is not reached earlier.

How to register

➡️ Register for Ljubljana by clicking here
04

Zadar, Croatia | Wings for Life World Run – Flagship Run

Participants perform during the Wings for Life World Run Flagship Run 2024 in Zadar, Croatia, on May 5, 2024.

Runners had a beautiful view in Zadar, Croatia

© Predrag Vuckovic for Wings for Life World Run

Vibe

  • Big Flagship Run
  • Scenic route

Why run here

Held in a beautiful coastal city known for its magical sunsets, the Wings for Life World Run Zadar delivers spectacular views and always attracts huge crowds to spur participants on.

Course highlights

  • The Sea Organ art installation
  • Cathedral of St. Anastasia

Good to know

  • Start time: 1pm local time
  • Terrain: Tarmac
  • Weather: Daytime temperatures normally reach around 20°C to 23°C
  • Registration: Online applications will close on May 9, 2026 at 1pm local time if the runner limit (8,000) is not reached earlier. Participants who sign up and pay the entry fee before March 1, 2026 at 1pm will have a personalised start number.

How to register

➡️ Register for Zadar by clicking here
05

Breda, the Netherlands | Wings for Life World Run – Flagship Run

Wings for Life World Run in Breda, the Netherlands.

Runners cross a quaint bridge in Breda

© Wings for Life World Run

Vibe

  • Scenic route
  • Party atmosphere
  • Food trucks for supporters

Why run here

The Wings for Life World Run Breda is a Flagship Run which guarantees there will be a huge crowd and plenty of vocal support. The route is a memorable one as it travels through the heart of the medieval city centre where there are a myriad of breathtaking sites.

Course highlights

  • Energy stations every 5km
  • Flat terrain
  • The gothic church of Grote of Onze Lieve Vrouwekerk

Good to know

  • Start time: 1pm local time
  • Terrain: Tarmac
  • Weather: Mild and pleasant spring weather, with highs of around 16°C to 19°C
  • Registration: Online registration closes on May 7, 2026, but as long as the event isn’t sold out, you can still register on location after that.

How to register

➡️ Register for Breda by clicking here
06

Valmiera, Latvia | Wings for Life World Run – Flagship Run

Vibe

  • Flat, gentle terrain
  • Good for beginners
  • Big crowds

Why run here

Another Flagship Run, Wings for Life World Run Valmiera showcases the city center, the Gauja River valley and the surrounding countryside, while staying friendly for different levels of runners.

Course highlights

  • Start at the renowned Valmiera Olympic Sports Center
  • Refreshment stations approximately every 5km
  • A route along the Gauja River valley

Good to know

  • Start time: 1pm local time
  • Terrain: Tarmac
  • Weather: Mild to cool spring weather, with highs of around 16°C
  • Registration: If the event has not sold out, on-site registration will be available during race bib pick-up times, which will be announced closer to the event

How to register

➡️ Register for Valmiera by clicking here
07

Santa Monica, United States | Wings for Life World Run - App Run Event

Participants at Wings for Life World Run in Santa Monica, CA, USA on May 4, 2025.

The famous Santa Monica Pier

© Koury Angelo for Wings for Life World Run

Vibe

  • A local event
  • Nice and relaxed
  • Great for new runners

Why run here

An App Run Event that also draws an impressive number of participants, the Wings for Life World Run in Santa Monica features a flat course that loops around the iconic Santa Monica Pier.

Course highlights

  • A refreshment station offering drinks and breakfast items
  • Flat terrain that is ideal for beginners

Good to know

  • Start time: 5am local time
  • Terrain: Tarmac
  • Weather: Mild, pleasant, and largely sunny, with highs of around 23°C

How to register

➡️ Register for Santa Monica by clicking here
08

Singapore | Wings for Life World Run - App Run Event

Participants are seen prior to the start of the sixth edition of the Wings for Life World Run - App Run in Singapore on May 5, 2019.

The iconic Marina Sands in Singapore

© Mark Teo for Wings for Life World Run

Vibe

  • A friendly, relaxed atmosphere
  • A smaller event
  • Good camaraderie

Why run here

The Wings for Life World Run - App Run Event Singapore offers up a hugely scenic route that passes by a host of attractions, including the spectacular ​​Gardens by the Bay.

Course highlights

  • A simple 5km route
  • A mix of city streets and paths
  • Pass by the Cloud Forest botanical gardens

Good to know

  • Start time:9 pm local time
  • Terrain: Tarmac
  • Weather: Warm and potentially humid, with temperatures of around 23°C

How to register

➡️ Register for Singapore by clicking here
09

Cape Town, South Africa | Wings for Life World Run - App Run Event

Participants during the Wings for Life World Run in Cape Town, South Africa on May 4, 2025.

The Cape Town event heads along the Sea Point Promenade

© Craig Kolesky for Wings for Life World Run

Vibe

  • Relaxed
  • Good for beginners
  • A simple course

Why run here

The Wings for Life World Run - App Run Event Cape Town promises an unforgettable experience as participants run along a 5km circular course that starts right in front of the iconic Cape Town Stadium and heads along the Sea Point Promenade.

Course highlights

  • A scenic 5km route
  • A refreshment station
  • Plenty of crowd support

Good to know

  • Start time: 2pm local time
  • Terrain: Tarmac
  • Weather: Daytime highs are comfortable, averaging around 19°C to 21°C

How to register

➡️ Register for Cape Town by clicking here
10

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions about Wings for Life World Run

How does the Wings for Life World Run work?

​The Wings for Life World Run is a unique global charity race where participants start simultaneously worldwide, aiming to stay ahead of a moving finish line called the Catcher Car. Thirty minutes after the race begins, the Catcher Car starts moving and gradually increases its speed, overtaking runners one by one. The race continues until the last participant is caught, making everyone a finisher. All entry fees and donations go directly to spinal cord injury research, supporting the mission to find a cure.
Not sure if it's for you? Feel the buzz from last year's highlights:

1 min

Wings for Life World Run 2025 highlights

The 2025 edition of the Wings for Life World Run broke records of all kinds. Watch the highlights from the world's biggest global run.

There's still time to sign up for the 13th edition of the Wings for Life World Run on May 10, 2026. If you'd like to take part, simply click here.

Part of this story

Wings for Life World Run

The world’s largest running event returns for its 13th edition. Runners and wheelchair-users across the globe start together, all moving for one shared goal: to find a cure for spinal cord injury.

View Event Info