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Here's all you need to know about Wings for Life World Run Sweden 2026
All profits go towards spinal cord research - run for those who can't on Sunday 10th of May 2026 in the app or together with us in Stockholm.
The Wings for Life World Run is a truly unique running race where runners and wheelchair participants start the race at exactly the same time, worldwide. Instead of a set finish line, competitors race against a virtual Catcher Car through the Wings for Life World Run App. This means there is no set distance or route that you have to run - you set your own goal and pace and can run from wherever you are. It’s a race for everyone: professional athletes, fun runners, wheelchair rollers, and complete beginners.
The Wings for Life World Run’s mission? To find a cure for spinal cord injury. 100% of donations and entry fees go towards its research.
Aron Andersson and Tobias Forsberg enjoying the atmosphere in Stockholm
© Christopher Lanaway for Wings for Life World Run
Wings for Life World Run kicks off in Stockholm 2025
© Christopher Lanaway for Wings for Life World Run
Join over quarter of a million people across the globe. Participate in the race via the app and run from wherever you are or come join us at our app run event in Stockholm. The run starts at 13:00 on the dot so make sure to come down a little earlier.
SIGN UP TODAY:
01
What kind of race format is it?
The Wings for Life World Run is different from other races. It starts at the same time across the globe - at exactly 11:00 UTC. So participants in Sweden start at 13:00, in Finland at 14:00, in Florida at 7:00 and so on.
It’s all done via the Wings for Life World Run App and your result is not how FAST you run, but how FAR you run. There is no set course or distance that you have to complete. You might walk 4 km or you might run 60 km, it all depends on when the virtual Catcher Car catches up with you in the app.
Wheelchair users and runners start side by side
© Chris Lanaway
Run as far as you like, you set your own pace!
© Christopher Lanaway for Wings for Life World Run
Sanni Hakala & HV71 with the crew at the App Run in Jönköping 2025
© HV71
02
What is a virtual Catcher Car?
Think of it as a moving finish line. In your app, the virtual car begins its pursuit 30 minutes after the start of the race at a pace of 14 km/h and steadily increases its speed until the last runners have been caught. Once the car catches up with you, you’ve finished your race.
Participants in Taiwan starts the event at 20:00 local time
© Andy Chen for Wings for Life World Run
Runners at Wings For Life World Run in Uhuru Park, Kenya.
© Francis Kiguta for Wings for Life World Run
Swiss participants running with a stunning backdrop
© Romina Amato for Wings for Life World Run
Norway joins the party!
© Marie Skikstein / Red Bull Content Pool
03
How does the app work and where do I download it?
You take part in the event via the app whether you're by yourself or joining one of our app run events, so make sure you download it and register ahead of the race.
To join the race on May 10th, open your app in your phone before the race starts at 13:00. The app will keep track of your movements and keep you updated throughout the race on how far you’ve run and how far ahead of the Catcher Car you are. It will also tell you when you are eventually caught. Once the race is over, you will be able to see your result on the Global Result List.
Download app:
Keeping track of the distance and the Catcher Car in the app
© Chris Lanaway / Red Bull Content Pool
04
Info: Stockholm App Run Event
Wings for Life World Run has been coming to Stockholm for many years
© Christopher Lanaway for Wings for Life World Run
Run, walk or roll together with us in Stockholm City. The event will take place in central Stockholm, location is still TBD, but the route will be wheelchair friendly with hard pack gravel and little to no gradient. The event will have plenty of good vibes, with music, partner stands and competitions. And plenty of exciting people!
05
I want to run via the app - how does it work?
The run can be done from anywhere in the world - any route, any place. You simply join in via the app.
The race starts at 13:00 on May 10th so before then make sure you've downloaded the Wings for Life World Run app, created an account and that you're ready to get moving. The app will keep track of your movements and and update you on where the catcher car is. Run, jog, walk or roll at your own pace and from your own doorstep!
06
I’m in a wheelchair - can I join the race?
Of course. Wheelchair participants and runners start side by side along a set course at our Stockholm City and Göteborg App Run Event, or you can participate from anywhere through the app.
Wheelchair participants and runners start side by side
© Adrian Pehrson for Wings for Life World Run
07
My app doesn't work - what do I do?
You can contact the Wings for Life World Run support through this contact form.
08
Where does the money go?
In the Wings for Life World Run, we run for those who can’t! 100% of all entry fees and donations go to the not-for-profit organisation Wings for Life to help find a cure for spinal cord injury. Since 2014, Wings for Life has funded research projects and clinical studies around in globe with its aim to find a cure for spinal cord injury. Over 60 million euros have been raised over the past 12 years.
See you in the app or on the start line on May 10th!
© Emrik Jansson for Wings for Life World Run
