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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.
If you'd like to find an event closer to home, check out all the locations across the globe here.
01
Santa Monica, United States | Wings for Life World Run - App Run
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 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 73°F
How to register
➡️ Register for Santa Monica here
02
Run at the home of a Formula One powerhouse
Milton Keynes is home to the Oracle Red Bull Racing Factory
© Mark Thompson – Getty Images/Red Bull Content Pool
Two exciting new App Run Events have been added to the list of locations for this year's Wings for Life World Run. Oracle Red Bull Racing in Milton Keynes, UK and Visa Cash App Racing Bulls (VCARB) in Faenza, Italy will welcome fans and the wider public, offering the chance to run at the very facilities where F1 cars are designed, built and prepared for the grid.
Vibe
- Energetic
- Performance driven
- After-party in Faenza
Why run here
Side by side with the F1 team members, runners of all abilities can experience the beating heart of world-class motorsport, together taking on a rival no pit strategy can outrun: the Wings for Life World Run virtual Catcher Car.
Course highlights
- Milton Keynes – view the warehouse and run around the factory ground
- Faenza – there is a 6km repeatable route in the countryside
- Faenza – catch a glimpse of some historic cars at the museum
Good to know
- Start time: 12pm in Milton Keynes and 1pm in Faenza
- Terrain: Tarmac
- Weather: Typically 15°C-17°C in Milton Keynes and 20°C-23°C in Faenza
How to register
Visit the Milton Keynes or Faenza information pages for more details on how to register for these events.
03
Zadar, Croatia | Wings for Life World Run Flagship Event
Runners had a beautiful view in Zadar, Croatia
© Predrag Vuckovic for Wings for Life World Run
Vibe
- Big flagship event
- 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 68°F to 73°F
- 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 here
04
Breda, the Netherlands | Wings for Life World Run Flagship Event
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 event 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 they 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 60°F to 63°F
- 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 here
Everything you need to know about Wings for Life World Run
How does the Wings for Life World Run work?
Excitement builds at the race start in Munich
© Flo Hagena for Wings For Life World Run
You can take it as seriously as you like: everyone finishes the race
© Focus Sports for Wings for Life World Run
The event is a night run in many places, such as Taipei
© Ray Chang for Wings for Life World Run
The 2025 run gets underway in Vienna
© Philip Platzer for Wings for Life World Run
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.
There's still time to sign up for the 13th edition of the Wings for Life World Run on May 10, 2026.
