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!
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, here's a look at some of the most iconic routes featured in this one-of-a-kind global race.
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.
Early bird challenge! Sign up between November 5-12 (11:00 UTC) to be entered to win a trip to the Wings for Life World Run location of your choice on May 10, 2026.
01
Vienna, Austria - The Flagship Run
Runners gather for Wings for Life World Run in Vienna
The Austrian capital serves as a flagship location for the Wings for Life World Run. Imagine running through the cobblestone streets of Vienna, past architectural marvels like Schönbrunn Palace and the Vienna State Opera, all while thousands cheer you on.
Breda, a lively and dynamic city nestled in the southern region of the Netherlands. The heart of Breda, with its medieval city centre, is this year the perfect scene for a memorable and meaningful run
Everything you need to know about Wings for Life World Run
With the picturesque backdrop of mountains and lush, green fields, Zug really gives a lot of other locations a run for their money. Although the course is tough, with a decent amount of turns and hills, the breathtaking alpine scenes make every step worth it.
Munich, at the foot of the Alps – a metropolis with heart and a lot of tradition. It is hospitable and pulsating, charming and bustling; in the middle of the incredible Bavarian outdoors, surrounded by beautiful lakes and an impressive alpine world.
05
Poznań, Poland – History and culture
The city’s most famous landmarks are the Renaissance old town and the cathedral on the island of Ostrów Tumski. Traditionally, the participants of the run escape from a mobile “finish line”, while their loved ones wait for them in the start zone, following the competition on big screens and creating an impressive fan zone. From year to year, the starting list is always full, and the limit is reached way before the race date.
06
Ljubljana, Slovenia – Green locale
Lots of joy at Wings for Life World Run in Ljubljana, Slovenia
Ljubljana is a green city with a green soul, where visitors can discover the best hiking opportunities in and around Ljubljana. The area on either side of the river, with its picturesque bridges and the central market owes its distinctive appearance to the great architect Jože Plečnik. The city of thousands of events is surrounded by parks and areas of protected nature.
Zadar, a beautiful coastal city, is famous for its magical sunsets. It’s also home to the Sea Organ, a set of steps leading into the water. Clever engineering beneath the steps lets water and air flow into chambers below, which then push sound out through the channels on the upper steps.
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.
